Waterford footballers savour the moment
Waterford 2-7 Tipperary 1-5
It all appeared to be going to plan for Tipperary footballers at Fraher Field, Dungarvan on Sunday, as playing into a strong wind, they restricted Waterford to a solitary point and things looked set up for a facile second half, to see them advance to the Munster SFC semi-finals.
However, sport can be a funny thing and a resurgent Deise outfit somehow found the resolve to help bring down the men from the Premier County, their first time to do so in 36 years.
Several players made their championship debuts for the Déise - Ross Browne, Robbie McGrath, Caolan MacCraith, Willie Beresford and James Power – and they played with a strong breeze in the opening half, Tipp having won the toss.
Full forward Mark Stokes drove low past netminder Paudie Hunt after 3 minutes and things were already looking ominous for Waterford, who were stationing their outfield players behind the ball in defensive mode. Stephen Grogan pointed after 15 minutes and 10 minutes later, following a turnover, Riain Quigley pointed pushing Tipp’s advantage out to 1-2 to no score. Stephen Curry registered Waterford’s solitary opening half score shortly before halftime and the task looked ominous on the turnaround.
Waterford’s recent 25 point drubbing to Laois in Division 4 counted for little, as they looked to secure their first Munster SFC win since 2010 and put in a stellar second half showing. Curry again pointed for the Deise following the restart and former All-Star Conor Sweeney came into the fray for Tipp on 42 minutes. However it was Waterford, into the wind, who drew level with further points from Stephen Curry and Tom O'Connell (free). Peter McGarry and O'Connell (free) traded points, with Tipp sub Teddy Doyle drawing Tipp in front.
However, Deise full-forward Tom O'Connell with 2 late goals sealed Tipp’s fate, with Jason Curry also converting a free.
It’s now home advantage again for Waterford in the Munster SFC semi-final v Clare.
Waterford: Paudie Hunt, Ross Browne, Caoimhin Walsh, Conor McCarthy, Billy O'Keeffe, Sean Whelan Barrett, Robbie McGrath, Michael Curry, Jason Curry (0-1f), Caolan MacCraith, Donie Fitzgerald, Willie Beresford, Stephen Curry (0-3), Tom O'Connell (2-03, 3fs), James Power. Subs: Conor Ó Cuirrin for McCarthy, Alan Dunwoody for MacCraith, James Walsh for Fitzgerald.
Tipperary: Evan Comerford, Tadhg Condon, Jimmy Feehan, Colm O'Shaughnessy, James Morris, Paudie Feehan, Conor Cadell, Kieran Costello, Conall Kennedy, Stephen Grogan 0-01, Mark Stokes (1-0), Cathal Deely, Jack Kennedy, Riain Quigley (0-1), Peter McGarry (0-1). Subs: Emmet Moloney for Deely (42), Conor Sweeney 0-1 for Quigley (42), Shane Neville for O'Shaughnessy (52), Shane O'Connell for Condon (54), Teddy Doyle 0-1 for Stokes (59).
Referee was Brendan Griffin (Kerry).