While most of the Irish sporting world was following the Lowry homecoming in Clara last night, about 90km away in Thurles, the hurling game of the year was playing out. It's the first year of the U20 hurling grade, and the competition flared to life with a classic Cork v Tipp Munster final.
Cork's Evan Sheehan thought he had given the Rebels a win with a 59th minute goal, only for Jake Morris to unleash a goal in the 64th minute to give Tipp the victory.
Check out the highlights from a thrilling @BGEGAA U20 Munster Final here! pic.twitter.com/bHCz52l8G2
— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 23, 2019
Referees come in for so much criticism so it's definitely worth singling out an exemplary reffing performance, and Thomas Walsh of Waterford clearly played a role in shaping the spectacle last evening. He let the game flow and evolve on its own terms, and fans on Twitter were quick to notice it
Unbelievable. It’s really not tipp number 14’s night. Another night could have 1.6. Credit to the ref for letting it on and not blowing any of the throws.
— Paul Coady (@Paul_Coady10) July 23, 2019
Great game. Tipp snatch the win with a late late Jake Morris goal to win by a point! Have to give credit to the Ref, managed it excellently and let the game flow! #GAABEO #Cork #tipp
— Bear In The Square (@bearnthesquare) July 23, 2019
Best refereeing performance I have seen in years. Well done Thomas Walsh @Fourmilewater 👏👏👏
— Alan Geary (@AlanGeary2) July 23, 2019
Thomas Walsh was excellent reffing tipp and cork tonight. Hope to see more refs follow his example and put away the whistle
— Jack Mc (@fireballRD) July 23, 2019
Overall fans were delighted with the spectacle.
Ah Jesus, what a game!!! Some finish by Morris. Tipp have a hoodoo over this Cork team
— Jackie Tyrrell (@MrJackieTee) July 23, 2019
Tipp and cork u20s with probably game of the year, unreal stuff💪 #BGE #lovelyhurling
— Nicky potterton (@NickyPotterton) July 23, 2019
Shades of what Cork did to Tipp tonight, in 97 Munster Under 21 Final when Timmy McCarthy scored for Cork in injury time at the same end only consolation is Cork have the back door #Corkgaa
— Graham Whelton (@DepecheMoby) July 23, 2019
Game of the year.
With a minute to go, Tipp were a point up. Cork got a last minute goal, to go two up. Tipp got back to a point. Cork pulled two ahead. Tipp got a goal in the 4th minute of stoppage time to win by a point.#gaabeo— Marcas Ó Callanáin (@MOCallanain) July 23, 2019
Wow.. brilliant evenings entertainment. Well done tipp and cork #gaabeo
— Brian O'Connell (@bocwtns) July 23, 2019
