Tipp turn the tables

Following eight minutes of play in this NFL Division 3 tie at resplendent and sun splashed Dr. Hyde Park last Sunday, the portents looked good indeed for a home side who started as they finished at Drogheda a week earlier. The scoreboard revealed glad tidings as Fergal O"Donnell"s charges had amassed 1-3 with the assistance of a lively breeze. Conversely, things were looking bleak for the handful of supporters who made the long trip to 'the Hyde' from the Premier County, but events were about to undergo a seismic change as a brace of goals brought John Evans" side roaring back into contention. They would go on to establish a base from which a winning rally emerged. A 6-point deficit was converted into a similar margin of victory at referee Gary McCormack"s final whistle and, make no mistake about it, the win was fully deserved. It now leaves the Blue and Gold in clear leadership of Division 3, boasting the best away record in the group, with many famous names now trailing in their wake. With their run-in comprising two home games against Louth and Longford respectively, they have an outstanding opportunity of gaining promotion to Division 2 and further increasing momentum for the big ball game in hurling heartland. But where did it all go wrong for Roscommon? With the disappointment of losing the Connacht U-21 FC semi-final at Charlestown the previous day still hanging heavily over the county, an anticipated continuation of winning ways on the league front, and a lovely sunny afternoon, brought an estimated 2,500 to headquarters for the visit of Tipperary. A great away win over Louth the previous Sunday gave Roscommon added impetus, for this rare League encounter with the Munster side - their last meeting was at Ardfinnan in 1997 when Tipp had a 1-7 to 0-7 success. The Rossies had a collective spring in their steps as they raced onto the plush H/Q surface. Corner-back Enda Barrett did not line out as per programme, with Seamus O"Neill introduced at midfield in a series of switches which saw Brian Higgins revert to wing-back with Seanie McDermott sited in the left corner. However, after an early Tipp attack, the Primrose and Blue took advantage of the significant breeze: seamless interplay involving Higgins, Cox, Finneran and Mannion realised a classy 2nd minute point from the St. Brigid"s No. 11. As they warmed to their task, there was further good news for the Ros" faithful within a 90 second period which opened when David Casey punted forward for a slick Ger Heneghan point (5th minute), with the news getting infinitely better as Senan Kilbride and Gary Cox created the opening for the Castlerea sharpshooter to find the net in spectacular manner. Damien Keenehan drew the 8th minute foul which brought Ger Heneghan"s total to 1-2 in three minutes with a pointed free. Were we in for a scenario similar to what was unfolding in Nowlan Park where Kilkenny were annihilating a fancied Tipp hurling side in ruthless manner? No such eventuality was about to occur at 'The Hyde'. The visitors were about to swiftly wipe out the deficit and take a sensational lead in their own dazzling 3-minute response. A pointed (9th minute) free by Barry Grogan opened their account, while the 11th minute turned this League encounter belly-up. Midfielder George Hannigan combined with full-forward Brian Coen and menacingly advancing wing-back Christopher Aylward for the latter Clonmel Óg debutant to give goalie Geoffrey Claffey no chance. The score was barely flagged when a combined Philip Austin-Brian Mulvihill forward foray saw the Moyle Rovers player ramming home Tipperary"s second goal within a minute! Suddenly, Roscommon found themselves trailing by a point, and while they would equalise within a minute with a Jonathan Dunning point, they would never again get their noses in front in this League encounter. John Evans" charges were visibly growing in confidence, with searing runs from defence and high-speed attacking spurts and wing-to-wing inter passing movements on the wide expanses of headquarters. This produced huge pressure on the home rearguard with evidence emerging that it would take a superlative effort to recover their earlier impetus. Points from Philip Austin (a real goal chance), George Hannigan and two frees from Barry Grogan brought Tipp"s half-time total to 2-5. But Karol Mannion and Seamus O"Neill (the latter sending over two brilliant long-range efforts) brought all their experience to bear in hauling Roscommon back into contention, to leave the minimum margin between the contestants at half-time, 2-5 to 1-7. Now wind-aided, Tipperary were in prime position to go on and consolidate their favourable interval situation. On the other hand, early scores were necessary to retrieve a now precarious position for Fergal O"Donnell"s men. An attack involving Karol Mannion, Jonathan Dunning and Senan Kilbride, within a minute of the resumption, realised a good point by the St. Brigid"s full-forward to tie up the match, but wasted possession would subsequently cost Roscommon dearly, with many scoring efforts falling into the arms of grateful Tipp goalie Paul Fitzgerald. At the other end, midfielders Seamus O"Neill and Michael Finneran were to be seen on their own goal-lines effecting relieving clearances against marauding Tipp raids, with full-back John Nolan also seen to effect in this regard. However, sustained Premier pressure brought inevitable free concessions, with Aherlow"s Barry Grogan on top of his game with two efforts from placed balls, adding a third from play, prior to Gary Cox placing Jonathan Dunning for the home team"s first score in 18 minutes. Two points in arrears, Roscommon had calls for a penalty waved aside by referee Gary McCormack in the 60th minute, but there would be no let-up in the power-play of the Premier men. Another four unanswered points ensued, shared by Barry Grogan (2, 1 '45'), sub Seán Carey (who played a big part in his team"s Munster U-21 semi-final win over Clare, the previous day), and Borrisokane"s Philip Austin. With time almost up, the two points on offer were now destined for the southern county, which simultaneously propel them to the top of Division 3 with eight points, and while late points from John Dunning and Tipp"s Stephen Murphy were flagged in added-on time, they would make no difference to the final outcome. And so, Tipperary made light of that early 1-3 Roscommon blitzkrieg to maintain what has been a highly successful campaign to date. A first round reverse to Down was followed by four straight wins over Cavan, Limerick, Offaly and now Roscommon. On the evidence of, in particular, their last two victories (8 points over Offaly and 6 points over Roscommon), they will prove top opposition for all-comers, with fear of none. On a day when they further enhanced their growing reputations, goalie Paul Fitzgerald, defenders Ciaran McDonald, Andrew Morrissey and Hugh Coughlan (winner of an All-Ireland Club Championship medal with St. Vincent"s in 2008), midfielder George Hannigan, with forwards Philip Austin, Brian Mulvihill, Brian Coen and top scorer Barry Grogan all turned in highly impressive displays. That super-charged opening salvo gave indication of better things to follow for Roscommon, but they were often in subsequent trouble against tearaway opponents who gave clear evidence of a superior level of fitness on the day. Fergal O"Donnell"s men now face a tricky away game on Sunday next when they visit Kingspan Breffni Park to take on Tommy Carr"s Cavan. A win here is essential to maintain any hope of League success, with an equally formidable Dr. Hyde Park assignment against Down (surprise losers to Limerick on Sunday) looming on Sunday 12th April. That early scoring spree excluded, Ros" subsequently lost their momentum as Tipperary steadily increased the pressure. In a defence which found it difficulty to counter fleet-footed opponents, goalie Geoffrey Claffey, John Nolan and Brian Higgins tried hard throughout, while midfielder Seamus O"Neill was often found back helping his defensive colleagues as well as working assiduously in the centre of the park. Up front, Ger Heneghan, Jonathan Dunning, Karol Mannion and Senan Kilbride all got on the scoresheet, but the loss of a number of U-21 stars from the starting line-out (understandable following their big game against Mayo the previous day) didn"t help their overall cause, although both David Keenan and Conor Devaney were introduced late in the game. SCORERS - Tipperary: B Grogan 0-8 (5f, 0-1 '45'); C Aylward, B Mulvihill 1-0 each; P Austin 0-2; G Hannigan, S Carey, S Murphy 0-1 each. Roscommon: G Heneghan 1-2 (0-1f); J Dunning 0-3; K Mannion, S O"Neill 0-2 each; S Kilbride 0-1. TIPPERARY: Paul Fitzgerald, Conor Morrissey, Ciarán McDonald, Andrew Morrissey (capt), Christopher Higgins, Hugh Coughlan, Christopher Aylward, George Hannigan, Eamon Hanrahan, Damien O"Brien, Philip Austin, Brian Mulvihill, James Tierney, Brian Coen, Barry Grogan. Subs: Seán Carey and Brian Jones for O"Brien and Aylward (both 45), Stephen Murphy for Tierney (53), Kevin Mulryan for Hanrahan (61), Niall Fitzgerald for Coughlan (62), Michael Phelan for C Morrissey (71). ROSCOMMON: Geoffrey Claffey, Ronan Brady, John Nolan, Seán McDermott, Paul Kelly, David Casey, Brian Higgins, Michael Finneran, Seamus O"Neill, Gary Cox (capt), Karol Mannion, Damien Keenehan, Ger Heneghan, Senan Kilbride, John Dunning. Subs: David Keenan for Kelly (47), Seán Purcell and Conor Devaney for Keenehan and Finneran (both 51). REFEREE: Gary McCormack (Dublin).