Red Card & Limerick Regrets- All-Ireland Final Talking Points

Yesterday Tipperary claimed their second All-Ireland hurtling title in the space of four years when they defeated Kilkenny 3-25 to 0-20 in Croke Park. Richie Hogan’s first half red card.

The game was in the melting point prior to the sending-off with Tipp leading by a point 1-9 to 0-11.

The second half turned out to be a no-contest with Tipperary outscoring their opponents 2-16 to 0-9 with their numerical advantage proving critical.

Below we look back at the taking points in the wake of the game.

The Red Card

There is only one place to start and its with that first half-sending off of Richie Hogan for his tackle on Cathal Barrett.

Earlier in the half Hogan took a blow to the helmet from Barrett that required a change of jersey with no punishment to Barrett.

Hogan attempted to even the stakes with a shoulder in the 33^rd minute on the sideline. However, anticipating the shoulder, Barrett moved backwards but was met by the elbow of Hogan giving James Owens little choice but to send off the Danesfort man.

By the letter of the law it was a clear red card but for many, the decision was a soft one with Henry Shefflin arguing against the call.

Owens should be credited with making such a ballsy call on All-Ireland Final day, but at what cost.

Richie Hogan will go down as one of the greatest hurlers of his generation with seven All-Ireland medals and a Hurler of the Year gong to boot.

But many will remember him for the red card that ultimately cost his team as Tipperary ran riot in that second half.

Where Tipperary benefited from losing a man in the semi-final, they were certainly the beneficiaries once again yesterday when given the man advantage.

As a neutral, yesterday’s game was a poor reflection on the game of hurling, something that was clearly influenced by the red card.

Future Bright for Tipp

Coming Into the game it was argued that the age profile of the Tipperary could be the difference between the sides.

Many argued their experience at this level would prove dividends in the high-pressure setting of Croke Park.

Others felt that some of the stalwarts of the team were past their best with the likes of Noel McGrath, Paudie Maher, Brendan Maher and Seamus Callanan all integral to the team since Liam Sheedy’s first tenure in charge a decade ago.

As things panned out, those who doubted Tipperary’s long-standing servants were proved wrong as each were instrumental in the win.

In addition to this, Sheedy has introduced a number of the 2018 All-Ireland winning U21 team to the fold with the future looking very bright for Tipperary at this moment in time.

However, the feeling was similar in the wake of their 2016 success over Kilkenny but with Sheedy in charge, this Tipperary team doesn’t look like going anywhere.

Missed chance for Limerick

Much has been made of Limerick’s exit at the hands of Kilkenny in the All-Ireland semi-final.

Cody’s charges overwhelmed Limerick on the day and deservedly came away from the game as one point winners.

However, looking back on yesterday’s game, there will be huge regrets in the Limerick camp.

Many pundits, in their analysis of the championship, referred to Limerick as the best team in the country and looking back on the Munster final between Limerick and now All-Ireland champions Tipperary, it is hard to dispute this fact.

On that day, Limerick were twelve-point winners over Sheedy’s men as they powered straight into the last-four.

Limerick would have fancied their chances in the replay against Tipp had they got to Croker again with the opportunity to put back-to-back All-Ireland’s together for the first time since the ’40s.

However, Limerick will now have to use this hurt next year as they look to win back their crown.