Lock-more tighten grip on Dan Breen as opponents nailed to the’ Cross; West awake for Nenagh; and Lorrha drop.
By Noel Dundon
Once more, we find ourselves swept up in the irresistible tide of admiration for Loughmore-Castleiney — a club that seems to exist in a perpetual state of glory. Year after year, they stride across the Tipperary landscape like seasoned monarchs, their banners ever unfurled, their momentum unbroken. The majesty of this remarkable outfit never wanes; it simply renews itself, as inevitable as dawn.
Back again in the senior hurling county final, and well on course for another in football — theirs is a tale of ceaseless conquest. Week after week, season after season, they defy fatigue, expectation, and opposition alike. The list of challengers grows longer with every passing game, yet all meet the same fate: admiration, then defeat.
This time, it was said that a youthful, fiery Holycross-Ballycahill might finally be the ones to halt the champions’ relentless march. On paper, they had the legs, the spirit, the verve. But when the battle began, Loughmore-Castleiney refused to gallop — they grappled. What unfolded was no free-flowing spectacle but an intense, breathless arm-wrestle, a contest decided by iron grip and unyielding will. Holycross-Ballycahill struggled to breathe, let alone flow, so tight was the champions’ hold.
From the moment an early goal rippled the net, Loughmore dictated every term of engagement. They smothered their opponents’ attacks, ruled the skies and soil of the middle third, and did just enough in front of goal to edge a contest defined by control, not flourish.
Had Holycross-Ballycahill known beforehand that they would keep John McGrath scoreless from play, they might have dared to dream. Cathal Barrett shadowed him superbly — yet McGrath, ever the craftsman, still punished every indiscretion with ten ice-cold frees. The Loughmore Castleiney attack wasn’t its usual fluent self, but the truth was simple: for Holycross Ballycahill to win, they needed daylight, not a dogfight. A tight game was always destined to fall Loughmore Castleiney’s way.
And so, the champions march on — as they almost always do. History tells us they rarely falter when the stakes are highest. For Holycross-Ballycahill, this will sting, but the lessons learned on such a stage are priceless. They are a team in education; their opponents, masters in possession of the full curriculum. Consider Noel McGrath — sublime and serene, just hours removed from welcoming a daughter into the world. Tipp camogie may well be blessed in future years. Yet it was Brian McGrath who stood tallest of all: unbreakable, immovable, the granite anchor on which Holycross-Ballycahill’s ambitions foundered. Sheer class, distilled.
That same word — class — could be etched beside Barry Heffernan’s name after his imperious display for Nenagh Éire Óg in the second semi-final. Gone were the goal-frenzies of Drom-Inch’s previous outings; Nenagh shut the gates and threw away the key. When the green flags stopped waving, so too did Drom-Inch’s hopes.
Drom-Inch, usually so potent, found themselves starved of oxygen and opportunity. Nenagh’s homework had been done to perfection — every avenue sealed, every space denied. Their defence was merciless, turning away wave after wave, feeding off scraps and giving none in return.
Even more impressive? Nenagh did it without their talisman, Mickey Heffernan, who now faces a desperate race against time to be fit for the final. May fortune favour him — for no player deserves to watch from the sidelines on such an occasion.
And so, the stage is set. Two weeks from now, FBD Semple Stadium will again become a cathedral of noise and colour. Nenagh Éire Óg will step forth to challenge the reigning kings of Loughmore-Castleiney. Expect fireworks, courage, and craft — a final worthy of the name.
Before that, a feast of ambition will unfold in the Premier Intermediate decider, where Upperchurch-Drombane and Carrick Swans collide. Both have long haunted the edges of promotion — now, the door stands ajar, the lure of senior hurling gleaming just beyond. It promises to be a curtain-raiser of substance and spark.
And as we speak of teams rising, we must also nod to those who fall. Lorrha-Dorrha’s descent at the hands of Mullinahone will sting deep in the north — a heavy blow, yes, but a powerful tonic for Mullinahone, who live to fight another day.
Football semi’s next to whet hurling appetite
It’s back to football next weekend with the county senior football semi-finals taking centre stage. Clonmel Commercials will mix it with Upperchurch Drombane while defending champs Loughmore Castleiney take on Kilsheelan Kilcash in two eagerly awaited games. While much of the focus is on the double defending champions and their march towards achieving the same feat again, Commercials are waiting in the long grass with Upperchurch Drombane – also now battling on two fronts – awaiting them in the semi-final. The Clonmel outfit would expect to emerge as would Loughmore Castleiney. But, you never really know and that’s why the championships are so interesting. A big weekend ahead again.