Munster Championship opening round delivers on all fronts.
Tipperary. Not so fast... (Photo By Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images)THE HURLING got off to a cracking start this past Sunday, with all four teams playing spectacularly. Clare and Cork, last year’s All-Ireland finalists, fought it out to a tense 3-21 to 2-24 draw in the opening round of the Munster championship. Cork dominated the first half with two goals by Brian Hayes. Clare managed an almost herculean turnaround of twelve points after half time, frustrating and thrilling in equal measure. Within seconds of taking the pitch during the second half, Mark Rogers passed to Aiden McCarthy who scored their opening goal. Two more goals followed in quick succession, from Duggan and Reidy. Around the 57th minute mark Shane Barret was sent off with a red card, which could have contributed as well.
Similarly, Limerick faced off against Tipperary in a match also ending in a draw 2-23 to 2-23. Shane O’Brien and Adam English scored goals for Limerick, while both of Tipperary’s were scored by John Mcgrath, who was on great form.
All four of these teams represent the favourites to win going forward into the championship. The skill, determination and overall physicality were at times incredible. Although no team was an outright winner, one man who was present at Semple Stadium commented online ‘Yes we had two draws yesterday, but the real winner was hurling’(@MCR1910). The excitement from the field was reminiscent, for many viewers, of the two All-Ireland semi-finals last year.
Next Sunday, Tipperary will face Cork and Waterford will compete against Clare. Overall, a thrilling start to a promising season for GAA.
