There’s something about Semple Stadium under lights and a Tipp team with momentum — and tonight, it all clicked again. The defending champions advanced to yet another Munster U20 final, seeing off Waterford by seven points, 1-24 to 2-14, despite being without two of their senior stars. Five Munster U20 final appearances in the last seven years for Tipperary — and they’ve claimed two titles in that time. Here are five positives — and one minor negative — from a Tipp perspective on a memorable night in Thurles.
1. Adam Daly — A Midfield Masterclass
Let’s start with the standout performer of the evening: Adam Daly. The Kickhams midfielder was at the heart of everything good Tipp did. He finished with 0-05 from play and assisted four of Paddy McCormack’s five scores — a stat that underlines just how influential he was. His work rate, vision, and composure were elite all night. Daly’s ability to break lines, link play, and deliver precision ball into the forwards was central to Tipperary’s first-half blitz and controlled second-half display.
His standout moment came in the lead-up to the 14th-minute goal — an incisive run and perfect delivery for McCormack to finish. Daly is playing like a young man with a very bright future.
2. Squad Depth and Tactical Flexibility
With Darragh McCarthy and Sam O’Farrell rested following senior action on Sunday, the focus was on how Tipp’s depth would hold up. The answer? Brilliantly.
From stand-in free-taker Oisín O’Donoghue (0-07) to the impact of subs like Jamie Ormond and Robbie Ryan, this was a real squad effort. Joe Egan’s deeper role suited him perfectly, while Adam Ryan’s aerial dominance — especially in the first half — was a joy to watch. Even when Waterford made changes and launched a mini-revival, Tipp had answers from the bench to steady the ship and finish strongly.
3. Paddy McCormack — The Big-Game Goal Getter
You just know when Paddy McCormack gets sight of goal, the net is likely to rattle. That’s now three goals in three games for the Borris-Ileigh man, and tonight’s finish — after a textbook puck-out routine — was top-drawer.
What stands out about McCormack is not just his physicality and finishing, but his understanding with the likes of Daly. The two have a chemistry that Tipperary are leaning on throughout the campaign. His 1-04 return once again proved vital in shaping the momentum of the match.
4. Clinical Scoring Spread and Forward Efficiency
All six starting forwards registered scores by the break, with points from Butler, English, Morrissey, and Power. The Tipperary attack was varied and slick, with no overreliance on one player. O’Donoghue was sharp from placed balls, McCormack was a focal point, and the interplay between English and the half-forward line kept Waterford pinned back for large spells.
Even in the second half, when Waterford threatened a comeback, Tipp’s forwards stayed composed and added four crucial late points to seal the result. That kind of cool-headed finishing is what separates good teams from great ones at underage level.
5. Six Finals in Eight Years — A Sign of Consistent Development
Tonight’s result wasn’t just about one game — it’s another chapter in a broader story of consistent underage excellence. Making five of the last seven Munster U20 finals before tonight, is no fluke. It reflects the depth of talent coming through in the county and the work being done at club and schools level to nurture young hurlers.
The One Negative: A Slight Defensive Wobble in the Final Quarter
If we’re nitpicking — and you have to be ruthless when aiming for titles — there was a period in the final quarter where Tipp’s defence momentarily wobbled. The loss of full-back Aaron O’Halloran appeared to unsettle things, and Waterford’s direct approach paid dividends, with Ben O’Sullivan grabbing two quick-fire goals.
Big Pat Walsh’s introduction gave Waterford a focal point and Tipperary struggled to contain his physical presence. It’s something the coaching team will need to address heading into the final. Defensively, Tipp were solid for the majority — but that five-minute spell could have proved costly against a sharper side and don’t get us started on our bug bear of continually playing 6 forwards, where they should be played.
Final Thoughts
Make no mistake: this was a statement win. Missing the two senior stars, Tipperary still found a way to boss the midfield, shoot the lights out, and win their final round robin game against a spirited Waterford side.
If Adam Daly wasn’t already a marked man, he is now.
The goal? Back-to-back titles and a third in eight years. On this evidence, you wouldn’t bet against them.