By Liam Hogan PRO
Hibernian Inn North Tipperary Senior Hurling Final Replay
Last Sunday’s Hibernian Inn North Tipperary at MacDonagh Park ended in a draw when Paul Ryan’s injury time goal brought parity at Nenagh Eire Og 1-20 to Burgess 2-17.
It was the fourth North final to end all square with the finals in 1980, 1982, 1991 and 1996 needing a replay. Next Sunday, Nenagh Eire Og and Burgess will meet again at Nenagh with a 1.15pm throw in and it will be the fifth replay, yes the fifth replay in then history of North Tipp senior hurling finals. Confused!
The 1909 final between Youghalarra and Clonakenny was played on the 2nd of February 1910 at Templederry. Clonakenny won by 2-6 to 1-5. Youghalarra objected and a replay was ordered on March 20th at Toomevara. This time Clonakenny failed to arrive. A Board meeting resulted and Clonakenny were disqualified and Youghalarra were the awarded the game. But on appeal to the County Board, Clonakenny succeeded in having the game replayed on May 1st at Roscrea and Youghalarra won by 3-5 to 2-3.
In 1916, Moneygall with players from Clonakenny faced Toomevara with players from Nenagh met in the North final. According to the North Tipperary history and other sources of information the start of the final was delayed because of an anti conscription meeting held in Nenagh the same day and the final was unfinished due to fading light. The replay was held in Borrisokane and Toomevara won by 3-1 to 1-2.
The next drawn North senior final was held on August 3rd, 1980 when Roscrea drew with Kilruane MacDonaghs 1-9 to 0-12 at MacDonagh Park, Nenagh. The replay was played on August 31st when Roscrea won by 5-6 to 2-12. Two years later, Eire Og Nenagh drew with Roscrea 0-17 to 3-8 at Gardner Park, Borrisokane. However there was no replay for many reasons, too many to discuss on this occasion.
Moving on, to the 1991 final which involved Nenagh Eire Og again and they drew with Toomevara 0-12 each at Cloughjordan. The replay was played one week later on the 29th of September and Toomevara emerged victorious on a 2-12 to 2-7 scoreline. Five years later, over 6,000 patrons witnessed the Newport v Lorrha final which finished level 1-9 to 0-12 on September 8th. One week later, the all-Ireland senior football final between Mayo and Meath was played the same day as the replay and 6,000 patrons turned up to see Newport emerge winners by 2-13 to 3-6.
Next Sunday’s replay will clash with the All-Ireland football final between Kerry and Donegal. There may not be 6,000 patrons but a large following will turn out for what will be a great occasion.
Intermediate Final
Due to the drawn All-Ireland the Denis Meats North Tipperary Intermediate Hurling final between Ballinahinch and Newport will be postponed till a later date.
Junior
Congratulations to Nenagh Eire Og who defeated Kildangan in last Saturday’s Watch Centre Junior A Hurling final at Templederry. It is Nenagh’s ninth North final and first success in two years. The winning captain was John O’Donoghue. Both teams are through to the County Junior A quarter finals.
The Watch Centre Junior B Hurling Quarter Finals
Weekend 21st September: Toomevara v Nenagh Eire Og
Weekend 21st September: Kildangan v Newport
Lorrha and Portroe are through to the semi finals.
Minor Hurling
Best of luck to Newport Gaels and Kildangan as they face their respective County Minor hurling finals at Semple Stadium next Sunday evening. Newport Gaels captured their first North championship two weeks ago and survived a county semi final win over Clonoulty Rossmore to meet Moyle Rovers in the final. Throw in 7.30pm.
Meanwhile, Kildangan will meet Loughmore-Castleiney in the Minor B final. The North champions defeated Sean Treacy/Emly in the county semi final.
Under-21 Hurling
The opening games of the North Under-21 championship will be played this weekend. Please see fixtures.
Junior Football
Both Shannon Rovers and Inane Rovers advanced to the County Junior A Football championship quarter finals as a result of their respective play-off wins over Ballina and Lorrha last weekend. Results Shannon Rovers 1-12 Ballina 0-14; Inane Rovers 1-13 Lorrha-Dorrha 1-6
Train Available for Croke Park, Replay
Just a brief email about the special train along the Ballybrophy line for the final replay on Saturday, September 27. At the moment it looks like the train will leave Birdhill at 11.50am, stopping in Nenagh and Roscrea. There will be no stop at Cloughjordan. It will return at 20.40. It will travel direct with no change at Ballybrophy. It will be a mainline train and I have requested a buffet trolley. The final details and fare will be confirmed on Monday and I will email you immediately. It would be great if you could start spreading the word. The train will hold approx 225 people.
