Electric Ireland All-Ireland MHC final
Tipperary 2-17 3-12 Kilkenny (*AET)
Tipperary’s Billy O’Brien struck an extra-time goal to ultimately turn out the match winner on a day of phenomenal drama in the Electric Ireland All-Ireland MHC final in UPMC Nowlan Park.
The Premier County, reduced to 13 men, also had to contend with meeting Kilkenny on their home patch in the Marble City, but Euan Murray’s four points was the epitome of their defiance.
Darragh O’Hora’s high tackle saw the would-be champions two men light just 25 minutes in, a second red card on a day where tempers flared but cool heads dared.
Kilkenny will lament a number of sides shortly after Jake Mullen’s score had put them one up with just 10 to play.
In extra time too how the young guns of black and amber must have thought it won.
A goal from sub Anthony Clifford was yet another ebb, another flow in a manic encounter.
His fist pump roused the home crowd, but Jake Donelan Houlihan’s reply was simply majestic.
The message was clear, Tipp’ were not to be beaten, as Eoghan Doughan also chipped in with 1-3.
Courage beyond their years, skill too, and now a piece of silver to treasure.