Tipperary SHC Semi-finals: Noel Moloney was a two-goal hero as unfancied Eire Óg, Nenagh, surprised Drom-Inch 2-14 to 1-13 in the Tipperary senior hurling semi-final at Thurles yesterday.
Moloney had a goal in each half to steer Nenagh to their first final in seven years after a lively tussle in heavy rain.
In the other semi-final, Toomevara snatched victory, 3-10 to 0-18, from Mullinahone with a goal three minutes into injury-time, Paddy O'Brien scoring from a 20-metres free. Mullinahone, who set the pace throughout, led by 0-10 to 1-6 at half-time.
Drom opened brightly and were 0-5 to 0-1 clear at the end of the first quarter. Then Nenagh got going and landed five unanswered points. Two minutes before the break, Moloney grabbed his first goal.
Nenagh led 1-8 to 0-7 at the interval but a Seamus Callanan goal for Drom 10 minutes into the second half had them right on their heels. Nenagh responded and three minutes later, Moloney got his second goal, and though Drom pressed strongly to the finish, Nenagh held out.
While Moloney's goals were crucial, the displays of Hugh Moloney, Ritchie Flannery, Stephen Ryan, Kevin Tucker and Michael Heffernan were also very influential. For Drom, Michael Costello, Seamus Callanan, Johnny Ryan, Kevin Butler and James Woodlock were best.
TIPPERARY SHC SEMI-FINAL: Eire Óg, Nenagh 2-14 (N Moloney 2-0, K Tucker 0-6, M Heffernan 0-3, R Flannery 0-2, H Moloney, E Tucker and J Slattery 0-1 each); Drom-Inch 1-13 (S Callanan 1-2, S Butler 0-4, J Ryan 0-3, J Woodlock 0-2, Michael and Macdara Butler 0-1 each).
