NHL - Dublin 1-16 Tipperary 1-15

Dublin 1-16 Tipperary 1-15

The Dublin Spring Series in Croke Park got off to the perfect start as the Dubs deservedly took the scalp of the All Ireland champions.  The final result might only show a 1 point win but in truth the Blues deserved to win by a bigger margin.

All around the filed the Dubs bustled the Permier County men out of the way led by an inspired Conal Keaney, who fired over 14 points on the night.  But he wasn’t alone John McCaffrey had a great game in midfield, Joey Boland dominated at #6, Liam Rushe showed maturity beyond his young age,while Dotsy always had the turn of his man with his blinding pace.

The Dubs goal came from Declan O’Dwyer who turned his man & shot to the net leaving the keeper with no chance.  Tipp were far from beaten & when their #13 goaled before half time the All Ireland champs went ahead.  But the Dubs weren’t to be beaten and regained the lead before the half time break.

The Blues flew out of the blocks in the 2^nd period and extended their lead.  They did endure a prolonged Tipp rally and it looked as if it wasn’t to be when Tipp levelled the game towards the end.  But cometh the hour up stepped Conal keaney to point a free and see out the game as winners.  The Dubs were roared off the field by a delighted Blue crowd filled with pride from an outstanding victory.

Dublin - Gary Maguire, Stephen Hiney, Tomás Brady, Peter Kelly, Ruairi Trainor, Joey Boland (0-01), Shane Durkin, John McCaffrey, Shane Ryan (Ryan O’Dwyer (30)), Conal Keaney (0-14), Declan O’Dwyer (1-00) (Daire Plunkett (55)), Conor McCormack (Paul Ryan (50)), David O’Callaghan, Liam Rushe (0-01), Peadar Carton.

Tipperary - Darren Gleeson, Paddy Stapleton, Paul Curran, Michael Cahill, David Young (0-01), Michael Gleeson (0-01), Padraic Maher, Brendan Maher, Shane McGrath (0-03), Gearoid Ryan (James Woodlock (60)), Sean Carey (Eoin Kelly (50) (0-01)), Patrick Maher, John O’Neill (1-02), Paddy Fanning (Brian O’Meara (35) (0-01)), Pa Bourke (0-06).