GAA – NHL Round-up:In a dramatic final day of Allianz Hurling League action it was Dublin who had most to celebrate after they narrowly defeated Cork to book their place in the Division 1 final – where they will take on Kilkenny – for the first time since 1946.
Although nothing has yet been won, it was a momentous day at Páirc Uí Chaoimh as Dublin’s 1-15 to 1-14 win over Cork continues the capital’s upwardly mobile curve under the stewardship of Anthony Daly.
It was an afternoon where results around the country were so tight several counties had the chance to book their place in the league final, not least Daly’s former Clare All-Ireland winning team-mate Davy Fitzgerald and his Waterford side.
However, it is Daly’s improving Dublin side who will get the chance to take on Kilkenny in the May 1st final and though the Cats’ pedigree is never questioned, Dublin will know they can win after defeating Brian Cody’s side in this season’s Walsh Cup decider plus they recently drew with Kilkenny in their league encounter two weeks ago.
Fitzgerald’s Waterford side were under strength but still had enough to run out narrow 1-17 to 1-16 winners over Galway at Walsh Park to end the Tribesmen’s Division 1 title defence.
Fitzgerald was pleased for his former team-mate Daly, although the competitor that he is, also would have relished a tilt of his own against Kilkenny in the final.
“If I don’t get a call from Anthony now I’ll be very disappointed,” quipped Fitzgerald. “They (Dublin) gave it their all today and fair play. If Cork had beaten them we were in a league final. We were very close to getting there ourselves.
“I think Anthony’s done a great job with Dublin, great to see him there. This is the business end of the season, this is where it all happens from here on in.
“Of course I’m disappointed we didn’t get a crack at the league final.”
Corner forward Paul Ryan played a crucial role in Dublin’s win, notching up 1-08.
It was a closely fought contest throughout and points from John Gardiner and Niall McCarthy helped Cork to a 0-09 to 0-08 lead at the break.
Both goals came in the second period with free-taker Ryan finding the back of the net with Luke O'Farrell on target for the Rebels. In the latter stages it was points from David O'Callaghan and Ryan who ensured the famous win and Dublin’s passage to a league final for the first time in 65 years.
So close were the standings, Galway also had a chance to make the final if results went their way but defeat to Waterford was their second in succession and put paid to any aspirations.
Two closing frees by Pádraig Mahony proved decisive as the Deise narrowly took the points.
Joe Canning made a welcome return for Galway and he helped his side stay within one point (0-08 to 0-07) at the break. Canning then found the net in the second half when responding to Shane Walsh’s goal on 40 minutes.
Fitzgerald for one wasn’t reading too much into today’s result and also expects big things from Canning this summer.
“We missed a few bits and pieces in the first half but our commitment was good,” added Fitzgerald. “You have to look at Joe Canning; his first game back, he’s going to get a lot better for Galway. That guy is going to have a serious summer, I’ll tell you that today.
“We won’t get too excited about the result, it was a good team performance, we worked really hard. There’s only one game on our minds now and that’s June 12. We know we’re going to be in a battle with Limerick. Thurles on June 12 there’s nothing else on my mind,” said Daly with his sole focus now on the opening game of the championship at Semple Stadium.
“When it comes championship time that’s when the pressure is on most but that’s when you start enjoying the year to be honest with you.
“We’re going to have to up our game a few notches for the Limerick game, we have to be ready for that one. That’s going to be a serious, serious battle on the day.”
Division 1 winners Kilkenny were comfortable 1-27 to 1-19 winners over Offaly at Nowlan Park but there is an injury worry for Aidan Fogarty.
Despite the eight point win, of more concern will be substitute Fogarty having to be stretchered off in the dying minutes.
The early action saw Eddie Brennan get in on goal for the Cats with TJ Reid picking off points for fun with an early 0-06 tally to give Kilkenny a 1-15 to 0-10 lead at the break.
Offaly found the net when Brian Carroll set up Shane Dooley but their efforts were not enough to avoid relegation after Tipperary drew with Wexford.
Tipp and Wexford played out a 0-17 to 1-14 draw at Semple Stadium after sub Willie Doran's injury-time goal helped secure Wexford's Division 1 status. Doran’s goal put Wexford a point ahead but Pa Bourke levelled.
In a day of high drama it means a Dublin double-header of sorts is just around the corner. Next week the Dublin footballers will take on Cork in the Division 1 league final with Daly’s hurlers in action the following week against Kilkenny.
Results
Allianz Hurling League Division 1
Tipperary 0-17 Wexford 1-14 (Semple Stadium)
Waterford 1-17 Galway 1-16 (Walsh Park)
Cork 1-14 Dublin 1-15 (Páirc Uí Chaoimh)
Kilkenny 1-27 Offaly 1-19 (Nowlan Park)
Division 2
Antrim 0-15 Limerick 4-15 (Casement Park)
Kerry 1-15 Laois 4-15 (Tralee)
Westmeath 4-14 Down 3-15 (Cusack Park, Mullingar)
Clare 4-28 Carlow 0-08 (Cusack Park, Ennis)
Division 3A Final
Derry 3-14 Wicklow 2-20 (Pearse Park, Longford)
Division 3B Final
Mayo 1-12 Roscommon 0-17 (Carrick-on-Shannon)
Division 4 Final
South Down 0-11 Tyrone 1-15 (Athletic Grounds)