Lightning start by hosts

NOT for the first time this spring it was all over before Louth even got started.

Wee County supporters have become accustomed to sluggish starts this season, but Tipperary took it to a new level on Sunday, banging in 2-7 in the opening 17 minutes, while coughing up a solitary Gerard McSorley point in reply.

That well-taken score from the Dundalk Gaels’ attacker in the ninth minute was Louth’s only point from play in the opening half, and Tipp already had 1-4 on the board at that stage.

The opening minutes were

Tipperary Louth 2-17 0-9

all too familiar as Conor Sweeney curled over a free and one from play, sandwiching another point from Steven O’Brien.

Even at that early stage Tipp were waltzing through the Louth defence almost at will and right wing back Bill Maher showed just how easy it was when he dropped the shoulder to round two defenders and gave Neil Gallagher no chance with a firm finish to the far corner.

Liam McGrath and McSorley swapped points from play, but it was a brief reprieve for Louth as Sweeney converted two more frees, either side of a Brian Fox point, to make it 1-7 to 0-1.

Louth did create chances at the other end. A good early move broke down with a poor final pass and later in the half Conor Grimes pulled another opportunity across the face of goal.

Tipp were much more clinical, however, and Michael