| Limerick edge Tipp in a classic
Some of the best forward play you are ever likely to witness was on display
in Nenagh on Sunday as Limerick edged past Tipperary in a classic.
In a match which swung from end to end, it was always likely that a piece
of individual skill would prove decisive. And Ollie Moran’s exquisite
overhead strike from 25 metres proved to be the decisive thrust of a match
neither side deserved to lose.
The Treatymen’s Andrew O’Shaughnessy and Tipperary’s
Eoin Kelly hit 1-20 between them as both sets of forwards were very definitely
on top.
Limerick goalkeeper Brian Murray produced a string of top class saves
to ensure the scores were level at half-time.
Indeed a draw looked the most likely outcome for most of the clash until
Moran’s superb goal gave Limerick a lead late in the second-half
which they would never surrender.
Having seen his side defeat Tipperary in the league for the first time
in 15 years Limerick manager Richie Bennis was delighted with the win.
He said: “The result will be a huge confidence boost for the lads
but to be honest the performance was nearly more important. We showed
what we are capable of and can take great heart from that.”
Tipperary are traditionally a team who improve with the better weather
and bigger competitions and manager Babs Keating didn’t seem overly
concerned at his team losing their first competitive match of 2007.
He said: “They got the goals at the right time, that made a difference.
A few breaks went against us and we took the wrong option a few times
but it was a very good game for this time of year and we can take a lot
of positives from it.”
Among those positives will be the performance of new full-forward Danny
O’Hanlon, the 12-point haul of Eoin Kelly and a half-back line which
looks a match for any in hurling at the moment.
Peter Lawlor and Mike O’Brien were simply excellent for Limerick
but in a match of many memorable moments, the sizeable crowd departing
Nenagh had only one thing to talk about the contender for goal-of-the-season
from Ollie Moran.
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