By Kevin Regan
It’s fair to say that Kilkenny and Tipperary have produced some absolute classics over the past 7 or 8 years.
There is so many stand out moments, some which have been kind to Kilkenny and some not so kind!
Here are just Five of the many great moments from their recent meetings.
JJ Delaney’s Hook
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1AehhXA6Uc
Poetry in Motion! In the 2014 All Ireland Hurling Final Replay JJ looked to be in bother when Seamie Callinan stole away from him. But incredibly the Fenians wizard got back to make a textbook hook in what was as good a piece of defending as you will see anywhere.
2014 Hawk Eye Call
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SJhkyd-XXs
Who could forget the drama of the drawn All Ireland Final in 2014!! The game is deadlocked deep into injury time and John O’Dwyer has a chance to win from a long range free.
‘Bubbles’ had the distance and initially it looked like the accuracy. However hawk eye was called the wide and Kilkenny lived to fight another day and went on to win the replay.
Lar Corbett Hat Trick
Tipperary were very sore after losing the 2009 All Ireland Final to Kilkenny and felt it was a game they left behind them.
In the 2010 decider they were mega determined and with Henry Shefflin having to retire injured, they drove on with Lar Corbett helping himself to a famous Hat Trick on the way to victory.
Pj Ryan’s Save In 2009
When Kilkenny people think back on the 2009 Al Ireland Final they remember the goals scored by Martin Comerford and Henry Shefflin in the last quarter.
However people tend to forget the goalkeeping masterclass PJ Ryan produced on the day to keep Tipperary at bay.
Here is one of those crucial saves.
Richie Hogan’s Goal In The 2011 Final
This goal absolutely oozed class! A surging run from Eddie Brennan unlocked the Tipperary defence and his pin point hand pass was struck sweetly on the volley by Richie Hogan which sent Kilkenny on their way to victory.