County senior hurling final

CRUSHEEN...............2-14

CRATLOE....................1-11

By Michael O Connor.

In Crusheen there is a mystical place called the Island where it is said that anyone who is to be buried in the island cemetery can hear a wailing noise just before their final breath. Legend it may be but for all those souls who lie within the Island there was a wail of delight from them and from all Crusheen people alive throughout the world at Sean McMahon’s long whistle that signalled a huge outpouring of emotion in Cusack Park on Sunday last. Crusheen after 123 years searching for solace with a county cup can now plan for an assault on the munster club championship but not before remembering a titantic campaign that ended with success over a gallant Cratloe side in Cusack park.

The start of a dynasty or the breaking of a hoodoo  could be one way to describe the meeting of these apparently two evenly balanced sides in the annual battle for the canon Hamilton. The rain fall the morning of the game caused  many to wonder what side it would benefit or hinder most as well as the many tactical moves and positional switches that might be put into action to gain a perceived advantage for even any juncture of the game. The prematch odds were definitely favouring the reigning champions as Cratloe were on offer at 4/7 with Crusheen at 13/8 and ominous draw sneaking in at 8/1 for those who wished a real gamble. The return of influential Cathal Dillon saw Crusheen corner forward Patrick Meaney may way to a place on the replacements bench as speculation centred around the possible inclusion from the start of Martin Oige Murphy who had missed the semi final due to a troublesome groin injury.

In the semi finals Crusheen had to battle hard to overcome a Sixmilebridge side that might feel they left it behind them whilst Cratloe need ed a replay to account for 2008 champions Clonlara. To exemplify the closeness between the sides on the scoreboard Crusheen defeated Sixmilebridge by the minimum, Cratloe and Sixmilebridge drew in the league section, Clonlara defeated Crusheen by a point and it took Cratloe a replay to account for Clonlara with the scores in all games close to each other. Crusheen’s previous appearance on county final day had ended in heartache as Tulla secured the title on a (1-7) to (0-9) success as Cratloe in their maiden final edged past Clonlara with a last gasp Padraic Chaplin goal to win the crown. As a result the portents were in place for a tension packed potboiler between two fast young sides with contrasting styles to keep the large attendance on tenderhooks.

The game started off in storming fashion as Crusheen received the start that they craved when a long free by Ciaran O Doherty fell to Fergus Kennedy and the under 21 county man finished past Sean Hawes. Within seconds Cratloe had their first score with Conor McGrath evading Cronan Dillon and popping a smart effort over the bar. Cathal McInerney added the second Cratloe score in the 4^th minute before Conor McGrath set up Conor Ryan for Cratloe’s goal that saw them score (1-2) in three minutes to negate Crusheen’s positive start. Ciaran O Doherty pointed from play from wing back before sending an effort from placed ball wide of Sean Hawes. Enda Boyce, whose father John hurled a championship with Crusheen many moons after sent over a smart effort before Pat Vaughan 65 and Sean Collins added scores after only ten minutes to leave the 2009 champions (1-4) to (1-2) ahead.

Enda Boyce was dispossessed as Joe Meaney made no mistake before Pat Vaughan with a free had the sides on level terms at the end of the opening quarter. Indeed Cratloe kept Crusheen in contact by committing a number of fouls and they were fortunate that Vaughan’s freetaking let him down from tight angles on two occasions. Another Vaughan free sent Crusheen a point clear before Tony Meaney entered the referee’s notepad after a rash challenge on Sean Collins. Conor McGrath pointed the resultant free as the sides were deadlocked once again after 22  minutes. Only one more score materialised despite some spirited hurling by both sides with Crusheen shading possession percentages. Pat Vaughan with his second wide from a free made up for this with the final score of the first half after Barry Duggan brought down O Grady. Duggan signalled to the line that he was in trouble but started the second half. Crusheen went in at the break ahead by the minimum (1-6) to (1-5).

 A moment of supreme skill announced the second half with a pin point pass from Damian Browne found Cathal McInerney who beat three before scoring to level the game. From the Crusheen puck out O Grady won a free that was scored by Vaughan. Crusheen had a couple of close shaves with Cratloe attacks that required Donal Touhy to be on top form.  Another sharp movement involving a quick free from Markham found Murphy who in turn fed McGrath and he equalised matters after 34 minutes. Six minutes of end to end action finished with Pat Vaughan popping over yet another free with twenty minutes to play to once more put the challengers a point clear. A sense that perhaps the running game of Cratloe was not as efficient as in other games was evident as McGrath was not receiving clear cut possession as Cronan Dillon kept him away from goal. Fergus Kennedy fed Conor O Donnell who unmarked sent Crusheen a vital two points clear after 41 minutes. Kennedy was now at full forward with Patrick Meaney in at right corner forward and O Grady at top of the left. Meaney who was expected to be a goal man replaced Gearoid O Donnell as Crusheen went three clear after Gerry O Grady was on target.

Cratloe were trying too hard to score the killer goal and one might suggest they spurned  two or three point scoring chances in the process. Indeed with so much expected of McGrath and the resultant pressure brought on by same Cratloe began to look to others namely Cathal McInerney as the Cratloe half forward line were decimated by a truly dominant Crusheen half back line led by the Dillon brothers with Ciaran O Doherty the enforcer on his wing. Sean Chaplin replaced Martin Oige Murphy with 15 minutes to play as John Brigdale was booked. The Crusheen lead was restored to three after another free by Vaughan after John Brigdale was booked. The score remained the same for the intervening 6  minutes before Conor McGrath hit a free as Crusheen players began to go down mysteriously with cramp in the final ten minutes. Conor O Donnell was now marking Padraig Collins as John Brigdale who was carrying a knock was out of danger at corner forward with Grady outfield. The decisive moment of the game fell to Paddy Meaney whose low trajectory shot hit the far corner of Sean Hawes net in the 57^th minute. This score put Crusheen five clear. Sean Chaplin responded straight from the puck out. Pat Vaughan with another free, Joe Meaney from play and Paddy Meaney in the 63^rd minute and Crusheen  had ended one of the longest famines in Clare GAA.

The new champions were served well by Donal Touhy, Cronan Dillon, Ciaran O Doherty, Cian Dillon, Cathal Dillon, Pat Vaughan, Paddy Meaney, Joe Meaney and Fergus Kennedy. Cratloe had strong displays in defeat from Barry Duggan, David Ryan, Cathal McInerney, Conor McGrath early on, Liam Markham, Michael Hawes and Sean Chaplin when introduced.

CRUSHEEN: Donal Touhy, John Brigdale, Cronan Dillon, Alan Brigdale, Ciaran o Doherty, Cian Dillon, Cathal Dillon, Tony Meaney, Paddy Vaughan (0-8), Gearoid O Donnell, Joe Meaney (0-2), David Forde, Conor O Donnell (0-1), Gerry O Grady (0-1), Fergus Kennedy (1-0). Subs: Paddy Meaney (1-1) for G O Donnell, Alan Touhy for Vaughan

CRATLOE: Sean Hawes, Philip Gleeson, Barry Duggan, David Ryan, John O Gorman, Michael Hawes, Liam Markham, Enda Boyce (0-1), Sean Collins (0-1), Conor Ryan (1-0), Damian Browne, Cathal McInerney (0-3), Conor McGrath (0-4), Padraig Collins. Subs: Sean Chaplin (0-1) for Murphy,

Referee: Sean McMahon (Newmarket).

After the game the Canon Hamilton cup was presented for the first time ever to a Crusheen man Gerry O Grady by County chairman Michael O Neill, as Cian Dillon was picked as man of the match.

Somewhere over the din, Martin Murphy’s voice sailed out with the cheers
after Barry Duggan’s acceptance speech last October. “Glory Cratloe”,
trumpeted Martin and the crowd rowed in. The slogan had made itself a
friend to Jack Murphy and Kilmihil football in Martin’s playing days of
the 1970’s and 80’s. In 2009, Cratloe had adopted it. This year it has
made it onto Paddy Mac’s Wall, Donaghue’s Bridge, Lamposts, Silage Bales,
Bunting and even under the collar of the jersey that Cratloe will wear
next Sunday.

However what ‘Glory Kilmihil’ doesn’t tell you is the history of the team
that had befriended it. Kilmihil’s friends in Kilrush, the bluebloods of
Clare football in the 70’s were quick to congratulate their neighbours of
their ‘one in a row’ when Kilmihil, who came home from the County Final
emptyhanded five times between the two decades, at last breached the
surface as champions of  1980. One day in the sun maybe, but what a day.
It punched an interuption of six County titles in seven years for The
Shamrocks including their legendary five on the trot. So ‘Glory Kilmihil’
rang out once, but it rang out loud.

The same challenge present itself to Cratloe this Sunday. Are they a good
team in an open championship? A “one in a row” team. Or are they a right
good team, the first to be engraved back to back on the base of the Canon
Hamilton since St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield in 1998/99. Nobody calls
Joseph’s a flash in the pan.

Much much more than any of the history or the statistics that stand in
their way on Sunday is the village of the little cross – Crusheen. Three
times Crusheen have marched behind the Tulla pipes only to fall short on
all three – 1970, 74 and most recently in 2007 when their current manager
and native Michael Browne stood in the opposite dressing room with Tulla.

“It was one of those bittersweet occasions”, said Browne in this weeks
Clare Champion. “One year prervious to that final you would have got a
million to one on a Crusheen-Tulla final. My aim when I got involved last
year was to try and get them back into a County Final. I really wanted
them to get back there to another and so long as we can say we have done
ourselves justice and I can say I have done no more, that is all we can
ask for”.

Browne’s Crusheen side have garnered the reputation, and rightfully so, of
having the meanest defence in Clare hurling. So much so perhaps, that the
talk tends to thin out their attacking threat. But an interesting
statistic uncovered in the build up to Sunday’s final is that they have
only fallen eleven points behind Cratloe’s 2010 scoring total….with a game
less played. Any attack with Paddy Meaney, Gearoid O Donnell, Niall
Kennedy and their intercounty talisman Gerry O Grady are worthy of a place
in a County Final and perhaps Crusheen six up front may be the final’s
surprise package. There’s little to be said for Crusheen’s backs. They’re
touted as the perfect antidote for Cratloe’s pacey forwards. It’s not
every club that can sacrifice losing an all-star nominee, turn him into a
forward and yet hold their standing as Clare’s tightest rearguard.

The journey to the County Final saw Crusheen overcome Sixmilebridge their
Semi in an enthralling game which swapped hands again and again by 13pts
to 12. They accounted for Clarecastle in the Quarters by a goal 1-10 to
0-10 and in their group games they qualified with very comprehensive wins
over Corofin, Ballyea and St. Josephs. The only blip being a one point
defeat to Clonlara.

Cratloe arrive after wins v. Wolfe Tones and Inagh/Kilnamona, a draw with
Sixmilebridge and a loss to Tubber. Newmarket were pipped the quarter
finals before Clonlara were defeated in last weekends Semi at the second
time of asking.

Sunday’s pairing is certainly seen as a collision of two contrasting
styles. Crusheen to date thrive on a compact physical game. Dominant under
puckouts in their half back line and quick to limit space to the
opposition. The opposite techniques are what Cratloe’s game thrives upon.
Their forwards and their scoring potential is no secret at this stage but
their duel against these backs is expected to be their hardest yet. And
maybe Cratloe are in the same boat as their contenders. Does the talk of
their attack veil the steel of their backs?. The second half performance
of Michael Hawes, Barry Duggan and co. against Clonlara in the replayed
Semi final and most notably in their Quarter Final tie with Newmarket
showed a sterness not associated with Cratloe before last years
breakthrough.

All these stats, ifs, buts, and maybes will be Mondays cat-litter if the
last four County Finals are anything to go by. Four in which the underdogs
have always won. That’s probably a warning to Cratloe, as ever so slightly
they may wear the favourites tag this weekend. To get to where they are
now though, Cratloe have had scant regard for form and it may serve them
well to do so again Sunday. They know Crusheen will be doing anything not
to let another title slip.

Ar Aghaidh Linn
15/10/10

Cratloe vs Crusheen
2010 Co. SHC Final – Cusack Park Ennis, 3;30pm Sunday
Referee; Seanie McMahon, Cora Chaitlín

.

ALL IRELAND MINOR HURLING FINAL

KILKENNY.............2-10

CLARE....................0-14

By Michael O Connor.

A case of one that got away. The 2010 All Ireland minor hurling final when put under review will show that Clare were as good if not better than the young Kilkenny starlets in the All Ireland Minor hulinrg final but the inability to score not even one goal cost them the title as defensive frailities once more raised their unwanted presence.

A poignant moment after the final whistle, after the Irish Press cup had being presented and the Kilkenny side were on their champions trot around Croker. Selector Eamonn Fennessy walked over to an inconsolable Enda Boyce and for a minute said what needs to be said to a young player who had given of his all in the cause of his county.

This group of players were the surprise packet of the year and what a delight it was for supporters following the below par showing all season by the seniors and the defeat at provincial level by the reigning under 21 side. The same management team with a little change here and there had been with this group since under 14 and had won the Munster 15 title before this years heroics.

 A solid sale of tickets throughout the county suggested that the Clare public as they had in the semi final were prepared to follow this side to the end. 13/2 odds at least and even 10/1 if searched hard enough for was available with +9 the margin on offer by the bookmakers. The layers were saying in their view Clare were no hopers and it was the ultimate chance that was being left in front of Clare as Kilkenny were being touted as they greatest Kilkenny side of recent if not all time. Their demolition of Galway who imploded in many ways boosted Kikenny’s status .

Clare started with confidence showing that they were not to be overawed by the occasion. Dual star Paudge Collins started off as he meant to continue with the game’s opening score after only a minute’s action. Kilkenny team captain Cillian Buckley responded two minutes later with his sides successful opening effort. The opening five minutes feared by many as danger incarnate for the Clare team was surmounted with ease and indeed such was their poise on the ball it was with increasing hope that Clare might spring a surprise the All Ireland decider. Owen McGrath sent Kilkenny into the lead after six minutes against the run of play.

 A magnificent ball from Stephen O Halloran found Collins and the hard working centre forward made no mistake to restore parity between the sides after eight minutes. The referee as the game progressed allowed the game to flow and on a number of occasions it benefitted Clare and then went against them. David O Halloran who had a quiet outing in the semi final was on hand to score a well taken effort after ten minutes. Niall Arthur, of whom much was expected failed to convert a 13^th minute free before correcting this a minute later as Clare went two ahead. Daire Keane and David O Halloran (2, one free) amazingly sent Clare coasting clear on a (0-7) to (0-2) scoreline. Niall Arthur received a blow to the hand that held up the game for a number of minutes as David O Halloran took over the freetaking duties.

 The confident play of Clare required a goal to close out this game and  bar one real chance this need never become a reality. Clare conceded a dubious penalty in the 25^th minute and Padraig Walshe effort was blocked partially by Ronan Taaffe before being cleared by Paul Flanagan. Suggestions of the ball being over the goal line were quickly ignored as Clare being totally on top saw Tony Kelly a minute later on target as Clare now held a two goal lead. In the final minutes of the first half Kilkenny grabbed a major foothold on the game as Clare wilted for perhaps the first of only two five minutes spells in the game. Owen McGrath (free) John Power and Michael Brennan struck for scores with Enda Boyce hitting back with a single Clare effort as Kilkenny went on (0-9) to (0-5) in arrears at the break.

Kilkenny after a horrid first half would have had little complaints to be only four points arrears having managed not to concede a goal. Clare for their part realising that they needed to be at least half a dozen in front entering the last quarter required a positive if not explosive start to the second half to quench any revivial in the Kilkenny cause. Tony Kelly struck over the opening score for Clare three minutes into the new half. Disaster number one from a Clare perspective came when a  speculative effort sent in from the Kilkenny midfield was caught by full forward Ger Alyward and quickly offloaded to Michael Brennan whose low bouncing effort evaded Ronan Taaffe as Clare were now only two clear.

 Paul Buggy was introduced for Thomas O Hanrahan on the Kilkenny side who had the misfortune to be marked by the truly wonderful Seadna Morey who was man of the match in this writers opinion. Paudge Collins set up by an astute Morey pass was fouled with Niall Arthur converting the free. Aaron Cunningham was entered into the game as Cathal Malone made way after 42 minutes. Disaster number two for Clare materialised. Once again the Clare full back line looked under pressure from the high ball sent direct and fast.

 Michael Brennan won the ball turned and shot past Taaffe. The definite goal bound shot was helped on the way by Buggy and he will be credited with the goal as Clare were now pulled back to level terms (0-11) to (2-5) after 43 minutes. An unsettling of the Clare team was enforced when Haulie Vaughan was forced to retire injured. Alan Mulready was introduced with Stephen O Halloran moving to right corner back and Jamie Shanahan reverting to wing back. For the second time only in the game Kilkenny achieved a period of pure dominance but managed only four points.

Conversely, in a low scoring tie and Clare appearing toothless in front of goal this four point tally was enough to hurt Clare. Kevin Kelly, Ger Alyward who had a huge role for the eventual winners in the second half, Kevin Kelly and Padraig Walsh were the Kilkenny sharpshooters between the 47^th and 52^nd minutes. David O Halloran (2) responded for a spirited Clare side by the 53^rd minute as the Clare deficit was back to two scores (2-9) to (0-13) with six minutes of normal time plus four minutes injury time to  play on the clock. Shannon man Aaron Cunningham had Clare supporters on their feet in a tension filled final quarter with an excellent score as the minimum now kept Clare from at least a replay.

 David McInerney, who in my view should have been thrown into the fray a lot earlier for a subdued Niall Arthur came on in the 59^th minute. Clare were now camped in the Kilkenny half of the pitch. Like all teams chasing the equaliser panic shooting and lack of composure go hand in hand and these evil twins visited Clare with David O Halloran and Daire Keane hitting wides when possession and scores were at a premium. Kilkenny were leaving the game or at least a replay on a plate for the banner side. One final break against the run of play by Kilkenny fittingly symbolised the whole game. From the minimum of possession in the 63^rd minute the Cats scored the final effort through the industry of Michael Brennan as Clare slumped a beaten team on the Croke Park canvas seconds later a beaten and broken side.

The champions who hung in when it looked as if the hottest of favourites were in danger of being knocked out and many of whom had suffered defeat at the hands of Galway in 2009 had displays of quality from Ger Alyward, Michael Brennan, Padraig Walsh, Kevin Kelly who was named man of the match, Willie Phelan, Pat O Carroll, Owen McGrath and Cillian Buckley. Over the course of the championship the banner side had a goal drought and managed only three goals and this hampered their scoring potential. Clare who like the under 21s of the last three seasons have given supporters some trickle of comfort for the decade ahead had my man of the hour in Seadna Morey. He was ably assisted by Stephen O Halloran, Paudge Collins, David O Halloran, Enda Boyce, and Paul Flanagan who was under incessant pressure at key times. The loss due to illness of Cathal O Connell lessened the scoring options from the bench.

KILKENNY: Dylan Walsh, Jason Corcoran, Willie Phelan, Brian Kennedy, Pat O Carroll, Luke Harney, Owen McGrath (0-2), Kevin Kelly (0-2), Ollie Walsh, John Power (0-1), Padraig Walsh (0-1), Cillian Buckley  (Capt) (0-1), Michael Brennan (1-2), Ger Aylward (0-1), 15.Thomas O’Hanrahan. Subs: Paul Buggy (1-0) for O Hanrahan, Paul Holden for O Walsh,

CLARE:  Ronan Taaffe, Haulie Vaughan, Paul Flanagan (Capt), Seadna Morey, Enda Boyce (0-1), Kevin Lynch, Stephen O Halloran, Tony Kelly (0-2, Colm Galvin, Cathal Malone, Paudge Collins (0-2), Jamie Shanahan, David O Halloran (0-5), Niall Arthur (0-2), Daire Keane (0-1). Subs: David McInerney for Arthur, Alan Mulready for Vaughan (inj), Aaron Cunningham (0-1) for Malone.

REFEREE: Anthony Stapleton (Laois).

HISTORY BECKONS IN GLAMOUR FINAL

Will Kilkenny go where no other hurling or football team have gone

before by

winning a GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship title for the

fifth

successive year? Or will Tipperary ruin their dream?

The answer will emerge in Croke Park on Sunday when Kilkenny and

Tipperary line up in an eagerly-awaited hurling final (3.30pm). It will

be

preceded by the ESB GAA Hurling Minor All-Ireland Championship Final

between Clare and Kilkenny at 1.15pm. Michael Wadding (Waterford) will

referee the Senior final while Anthony Stapleton (Laois) will be in

charge of the

Minor final.

Kilkenny are bidding for their 22nd successive championship win and

haven't

lost a game since going down to Galway in the 2005 All-Ireland

semi-final.

Since then they have beaten the following: Wexford (4); Galway (4); Cork

(3);

Dublin (2); Offaly (2); Waterford (2); Tipperary (1), Westmeath (1);

Limerick (1),

Clare (1).

Last year, they became the first county since Cork in 1941-42-43-44 to

win the

four in a row and are now bidding for their 33rd title. Tipperary, who

lost to

Kilkenny by five points last year, are seeking their first All-Ireland

title since

2001 and their 26th in all.

Paths to the final

Kilkenny

Kilkenny 4-19 Dublin 0-12 (Leinster semi-final)

Kilkenny 1-19 Galway 1-12 (Leinster final)

Kilkenny 3-22 Cork 0-19 (All-Ireland semi-final)

Average For: 2-22 Average Against: 0-16

Kilkenny Scorers

Henry Shefflin......................1-21 (0-14 frees, 0-2 '65s)

Richie Power.........................2-11 (0-6 frees)

Aidan Fogarty.......................3-3

Eddie Brennan......................2-3

TJ Reid...................................0-6

Michael Rice..........................0-4

Martin Comerford................0-3

Michael Fennelly...................0-2

James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick.......0-2

Richie Hogan.........................0-2

Eoin Larkin...........................0-2

T Walsh.................................0-1

Tipperary

Cork 3-15 Tipperary 0-14 (Munster quarter-final)

Tipperary 3-24 Wexford 0-19 (Qualifier Round 1)

Tipperary 0-21 Offaly 1-12 (Qualifier Round 3)

Tipperary 3-17 Galway 3-16 (All-Ireland quarter-final)

Tipperary 3-19 Waterford 1-18 (All-Ireland semi-final)

Average For: 2-19 Average Against: 2-15

Tipperary scorers

Eoin Kelly....................3-36 (0-25 frees, 0-5 '65s')

Lar Corbett.................3-11

Ger Ryan.....................1-9

Noel McGrath.............0-12 (0-2 frees, 0-1 '65')

John O'Brien...............0-9

Seamus Callanan........1-2

Brendan Maher...........0-5

David Young................0-4

Darragh Egan..............1-0

Patrick Maher.............0-3

Shane McGrath...........0-2

Timmy Hammersley...0-1

Conor O'Mahony.......0-1

Last Championship Clash....

Kilkenny 2-22 Tipperary 0-23 (2009 GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior

Championship Final)

Kilkenny: PJ Ryan; Michael Kavanagh, JJ Delaney, Jackie Tyrrell (0-1);

Tommy Walsh (0-1), Brian Hogan, John Tennyson; Derek Lyng (0-1), Michael

Rice; Eddie Brennan (0-3), Eoin Larkin (0-3), Richie Power (0-1); Richie

Hogan

(0-2), Henry Shefflin (1-8), Aidan Fogarty.

Subs: TJ Reid (0-1) for Fogarty; Michael Fennelly (0-1) for Lyng; Martin

Comerford (1-0) for Richie Hogan.

Tipperary: Brendan Cummins; Paddy Stapleton, Padraic Maher, Paul Curran;

Declan Fanning, Conor O'Mahony, Brendan Maher; James Woodlock, Shane

McGrath (0-1); Pat Kerwick, Lar Corbett (0-4), John O'Brien; Eoin Kelly

(0-13),

Seamus Callanan (0-3), Noel McGrath (0-2).

Subs: Benny Dunne for O'Brien; Willie Ryan for Kerwick; Micheal Webster

for

Woodlock.

Last Competitive Clash....

Tipperary 1-14 Kilkenny 0-13 (Allianz GAA Hurling National League, 7

March

2010, Thurles)

Tipperary: B Cummins; B Maher, P Maher, P Curran; D Fanning, C O'Mahony,

S Maher; T Stapleton, S McGrath (0-2); N McGrath (0-1), B Dunne, J

O'Brien

(0-1); E Kelly (1-7), M Webster, L Corbett (0-2).

Subs: H Maloney for Dunne, J Brennan (0-1) for Stapleton, S Callanan for

O'Brien, P Kelly for Webster.

Kilkenny: PJ Ryan; C Hickey, B Hogan, J Dalton; T Walsh (0-1), J Tyrrell

(0-1),

JJ Delaney; PJ Delaney (0-1), J Tennyson (0-2); J Mulhall (0-3), M Rice

(0-1),

W O'Dwyer; R Hogan (0-3), E Larkin (0-1), A Fogarty.

Subs: M Grace for Rice, P Hogan for R Hogan.

Previous Kilkenny-Tipperary All-Ireland final clashes

2009: Kilkenny 2-22 Tipperary 0-23

1991: Tipperary 1-16 Kilkenny 0-15

1971: Tipperary 5-17 Kilkenny 5-14

1967: Kilkenny 3-8 Tipperary 2-7

1964: Tipperary 5-13 Kilkenny 2-8

1950: Tipperary 1-9 Kilkenny 1-8

1945: Tipperary 5-6 Kilkenny 3-6

1937: Tipperary 3-11 Kilkenny 0-3

1922: Kilkenny 4-2 Tipperary 2-6

1916: Tipperary 5-4 Kilkenny 3-2

1913: Kilkenny 2-4 Tipperary 1-2

1911: Kilkenny 3-3 Tipperary 2-1*

1909: Kilkenny 4-6 Tipperary 0-12

1898: Tipperary 7-13 Kilkenny 3-10

1895: Tipperary 6-8 Kilkenny 1-0

*Munster champions, Limerick refused to play Kilkenny in the final due

to a

dispute over the venue. Kilkenny were awarded the title. Tipperary were

nominated to replace Limerick and lost to Kilkenny in a substitute

final.

ALL-IRELAND HONOURS TABLE

32: KILKENNY (1904-1905-1907-1909-1911-1912-1913-1922-1932-1933-

1935-1939-1947-1957-1963-1967-1969-1972-1974-1975-1979-1982-1983-

1992-1993-2000-2002-2003-2006-2007-2008-2009).

30: Cork (1890-1892-1893-1894-1902-1903-1919-1926-1928-1929-1931-

1941-1942-1943-1944-1946-1952-1953-1954-1966-1970-1976-1977-1978-

1984-1986-1990-1999-2004-2005).

25: TIPPERARY (1887-1895-1896-1898-1899-1900-1906-1908-1916-1925-

1930-1937-1945-1949-1950-1951-1958-1961-962-1964-1965-1971-1989-

1991-2001).

7: Limerick (1897-1918-1921-1934-1936-1940-1973).

6: Dublin (1889-1917-1920-1924-1927-1938).

6: Wexford (1910-1955-1956-1960-1968-1996)

4: Galway (1923-1980-1987-1988)

4: Offaly (1981-1985-1994-1998)

3: Clare (1914-1995-1997)

2: Waterford (1948-1959)

1: Kerry (1891)

1: Laois (1915)

1: London (1901)

HOW KILKENNY WON THEIR 32 ALL-IRELAND TITLES

1904 - Kilkenny 1-9 Cork 1-8

1905 - Kilkenny 7-7 Cork 2-9

1907 - Kilkenny 3-12 Cork 4-8

1909 - Kilkenny 4-6 Tipperary 0-12

1911 - Kilkenny 3-3 Tipperary 2-1

1912 - Kilkenny 2-1 Cork 1-3

1913 - Kilkenny 2-4 Tipperary 1-2

1922 - Kilkenny 4-2 Tipperary 2-6

1932 - Kilkenny 3-3 Clare 2-3

1933 - Kilkenny 1-7 Limerick 0-6

1935 - Kilkenny 2-5 Limerick 2-4

1939 - Kilkenny 2-7 Cork 3-3

1947 - Kilkenny 0-14 Cork 2-7

1957 - Kilkenny 4-10 Waterford 3-12

1963 - Kilkenny 4-17 Waterford 6-8

1967 - Kilkenny 3-8 Tipperary 2-7

1969 - Kilkenny 2-15 Cork 2-9

1972 - Kilkenny 3-24 Cork 5-11

1974 - Kilkenny 3-19 Limerick 1-13

1975 - Kilkenny 2-22 Galway 2-10

1979 - Kilkenny 2-12 Galway 1-8

1982 - Kilkenny 3-18 Cork 1-13

1983 - Kilkenny 2-14 Cork 2-12

1992 - Kilkenny 3-10 Cork 1-12

1993 - Kilkenny 2-17 Galway 1-15

2000 - Kilkenny 5-15 Offaly 1-14

2002 - Kilkenny 2-20 Clare 0-19

2003 - Kilkenny 1-14 Cork 1-11

2006 - Kilkenny 1-16 Cork 1-13

2007 - Kilkenny 2-19 Limerick 1-15

2008 - Kilkenny 3-30 Waterford 1-13

2009 - Kilkenny 2-22 Tipperary 0-23

HOW TIPPERARY WON THEIR 25 ALL-IRELAND TITLES

1887 - Tipperary 1-1 Galway 0-0

1895 - Tipperary 6-8 Kilkenny 1-0

1896 - Tipperary 8-14 Dublin 0-4

1898 - Tipperary 7-13 Kilkenny 3-10

1899 - Tipperary 3-12 Wexford 1-4

1900 - Tipperary 2-5 London 0-6

1906 - Tipperary 3-16 Dublin 3-8

1908 - Tipperary 3-15 Dublin 1-5 (replay)

1908 - Tipperary 2-5 Dublin 1-8 (draw)

1916 - Tipperary 5-4 Kilkenny 3-2

1925 - Tipperary 5-6 Galway 1-5

1930 - Tipperary 2-7 Dublin 1-3

1937 - Tipperary 3-11 Kilkenny 0-3

1945 - Tipperary 5-6 Kilkenny 3-6

1949 - Tipperary 3-11 Laois 0-3

1950 - Tipperary 1-9 Kilkenny 1-8

1951 - Tipperary 7-7 Wexford 3-9

1958 - Tipperary 4-9 Galway 2-5

1961 - Tipperary 0-16 Dublin 1-12

1962 - Tipperary 3-10 Wexford 2-11

1964 - Tipperary 5-13 Kilkenny 2-8

1965 - Tipperary 2-16 Wexford 0-10

1971 - Tipperary 5-17 Kilkenny 5-14

1989 - Tipperary 4-24 Antrim 3-9

1991 - Tipperary 1-16 Kilkenny 0-15

2001 - Tipperary 2-18 Galway 2-15

Five-in-a-row....never previously achieved

Three counties, Wexford, Cork and Kerry have attempted to win the five

in a

row without success in hurling and football. Wexford footballers won the

football title in 1915-16-17-18 but lost the 1919 Leinster semi-final to

Dublin.

Cork hurlers were seeking a fifth successive title in 1945 but were

beaten by

Tipperary in the Munster semi-final. Kerry footballers have twice tried

to win the

five in a row. In 1933, they won the Munster title but lost the

All-Ireland semifinal

to Kerry. In 1982, they were again on the five-in-a-row trail but lost

the All-

Ireland final to Offaly for whom Seamus Darby scored a late

match-winning

goal.

ESB GAA Hurling Minor All-Ireland Championship Final

Kilkenny and Clare will open the proceedings in Croke Park on Sunday

when

they clash in the minor hurling final at 1.15. Kilkenny will be bidding

to extend

their lead at the top of the honours table by winning the title for the

20th time

while Clare will be bidding to win the crown for only the second time,

having

previously won in 1997

Paths to the final

Clare

Waterford 1-21 Clare 0-16

Clare 1-21 Kerry 2-7

Clare 0-17 Tipperary 1-13

Clare 1-17 Limerick 2-12

Clare 1-16 Waterford 1-11 (Munster final)

Clare 0-20 Dublin 2-13 (All-Ireland semi-final)

Kilkenny

Kilkenny 2-13 Dublin 0-9

Kilkenny 2-22 Offaly 1-13

Kilkenny 1-20 Dublin 0-10 (Leinster final)

Kilkenny 5-19 Galway 0-15 (All-Ireland semi-final)

All-Ireland Minor Hurling - Roll of Honour

19 - KILKENNY (1931-35-36-50-60-61-62-72-73-75-77-81-88-90-91-93-2002-

2003-2008)

18 - Cork (1928-37-38-39-41-51-64-67-69-70-71-74-78-79-85-95-98-2001)

18 - Tipperary (1930-32-33-34-47-49-52-53-55-56-57-59-76-80-82-96-2006-

2007)

8 - Galway (1983-92-94-99-2000-2004-2005-2009)

4 - Dublin (1945-46-54-65)

3 - Wexford (1963-66-68)

3 - Limerick (1940-58-84)

3 - Offaly (1986-87-89)

2 - Waterford (1929-48)

1 - CLARE (1997)