When you read the full time score from Sunday’s county final it’s hard to believe that after 25 minutes Ballygunner only held a 0-4 to 0-2 lead. While the end result hardly requires in depth analysis, a number of factors fell into place before the break for the Gunners to take full advantage.
The injury that Tallow midfielder Paul O’Brien picked up mid way through the first half certainly counts as one. As a result the former inter county man moved to the edge of the square with Thomas Ryan heading in the opposite direction. With one of their talisman limping into the full forward line any lingering hopes of a shock disappeared. The goal from Harley Barnes provided an obvious tonic for the favourites five minutes before the interval. After keeping themselves in contention up to that point Tallow fell asleep as David O’Sullivan weaved through the defence to play the killer pass for Barnes to sweep home. Indiscipline from the Western side also proved costly. The final free count of 17 to 7 tells the tale and Pauric Mahony punished them on each occasion when within scoring range. The All Star nominee converted three frees on the bounce in first half stoppage time to dent any remaining spirit left in the Bridesiders. In the five minutes of normal time and three minutes of injury time before the half time whistle Ballygunner outscored their opponents 1-5 to 0-1.
Ballygunner struggled before that point primarily due to a resilient Tallow defence, the fact that the outsiders opted to play with the aid of the elements and also missed opportunities like Brian O’Sullivan’s goal chance that he blazed across goal and wide. The relentless nature of their half back line however squeezed the life out of the Tallow attack and ensured that the floodgates would open at the other end sooner rather than later. Wayne Hutchinson gave a masterclass in centre back play over that opening period and one spectacular catch on the stroke of half time a particular highlight. Since his move to number six earlier this season he has experienced one of his best club campaigns.
He narrowly missed out on the man of the match honours to another consistent performer in Pauric Mahony. His striking from frees and from open play bordered on perfection at times as he helped himself to eleven points. He also showed some deft touches and crafted a point for Andy Maloney in the second half with a clever overhead ball.
Another notable feature of Sunday’s game was the performance of Maloney. Two years ago Maloney almost beat Lismore on his own in a county final replay and now at 34 he produced another powerhouse display at wing forward. After spending the majority of the season in the intermediate ranks, Niall O’Donnell’s decision to recall the former Tipperary and Waterford hurler was fully vindicated when you take into account his contributions throughout the knock out stages.
Tallow will rather forget their first appearance since 1985 but they can reflect on a season of progress. Some raised questions in the aftermath over their whether they deserved to reach a county final but that argument falls down. Lismore, Ballyduff Upper and Mount Sion all fell on Tallow’s side of the draw and they displayed sufficient character and defensive stability to emerge and reach a decider. In terms of resources and attacking options however they fell short of the levels required to take the next step. Brian Henley’s inclusion at 40 years of age in the corner forward berth reflected their lack of strength in depth.
All in all an utterly lacklustre affair that will quickly be erased from the memory banks of those who witnessed it. The muted atmosphere throughout the sixty minutes around the ground summed up the overall mood. The challenge of first time Tipperary champions Drom & Inch now comes into view for the new title holders. With only one Munster title collected in 2001 and after watching De La Salle collect two in quick succession there should be no shortage of motivation. A Munster minefield of Seamus Callinan’s Drom & Inch, a youthful Na Piarsaigh and one of Carrigtwohill/Sixmilebridge/Crusheen will all have to be negotiated however before that goal can be realised.
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