Munster U20 Hurling Final: Tipperary 3-19 Clare 1-20
Clare’s wait for a fifth ever Munster U20 hurling title will rumble on after a dramatic and controversial loss to Tipperary at the TUS Gaelic Grounds.
The decision by referee Ciaran O’Regan to issue a black card to Clare defender Jamie Moylan in the final quarter of the contest is one that very few of the 6,476 in attendance could figure out, with the danger having already been averted prior to any contact being made in the challenge.
The resultant penalty from Darragh McCarthy was dispatched expertly to the top corner by Darragh McCarthy, with that score coming just after a similarly contentious penalty call had gone Clare’s way, with Fred Hegarty also finding the net. Whatever about the awarding of the penalty, there will be huge Clare regrets at the issuing of the black card which looked to be in no way warranted.
That’s not to take away from the Tipperary victory, with Brendan Cummins charges making hay while they had the opportunity, and on the balance of play, were just about the better team.
Tipp led 1-11 to 0-13 at the break with the goal coming from Oisin Donoghue after some quick thinking by McCarthy saw him play a short free to him before rifling home. Fred Hegarty was immense throughout and his brilliance from placed balls.
Clare rallied after the break to lead and when Hegarty fired home the penalty, it was the Banner in front by 1-17 to 1-14.
The black card decision turned the tide of the contest completely on its head, with another hammer blow coming Clare’s way as Cathal English rooted home a scrappy goal in the square, despite clearly holding Eoin McMahon’s hurley to prevent him from getting a block on it while doing so.
As they have done all year, Clare kept battling to the end, but the exertions of a third championship game in 14 days could well have been a factor in the closing stages.
Tipperary now go on to the All Ireland final where they face either Dublin or Kilkenny in three weeks time.
