Loughmore-Castleiney is a hub for the dying breed of dual players. The Tipperary club has a unique set up where almost all of the squad compete in both football and hurling. Unfortunately, this means the Loughmore-Castleiney players have to put the heartbreak of their defeat in the Hurling final last weekend behind them before they change codes. There is no room for error either as their Tipperary SFC Final opponents are the reigning champions Clonmel Commercials.
Click here for live scores from the Kilkenny hurling final
This game is a repeat of last year’s semi-final. On that occasion, it took extra time to separate the teams. Clonmel Commercials came out on top by two points and went on to win the final.
Dominant Sides in Tipperary
Surprisingly, this is the first time these two teams meet in the final this decade. Since 2012, both Clonmel and Loughmore-Castleiney have been the dominant teams in the Tipperary Senior Football Championship. Only Moyle Rovers have broken the trend of this years’ finalists winning the Championship. They did this is 2018.
Specifically, Clonmel Commercials have won the title in ’12, ’15, 17, and ’19. Similarly, Loughmore-Castleiney were crowned champions in ’13, ’14, and ’16 with the two most recent coming after a replay.
Loughmore-Castleiney’s ability to continuously contend for this competition is hugely impressive. To elaborate, each member of the football also togs out for the Hurling team. Furthermore, manager Frankie McGrath is over both sides.
Last weekend, Loughmore-Castleiney were deprived of the Hurling Championship in a sensational game against Kiladangan. A last second goal ended their dream of a double.
That heartbreak will be a source of motivation for this weekend.
Clonmel Commercials return to the final after beating Kilsheelan-Kilcash 0-12 vs 0-06 in the semi-final. Their defensive prowess has been key throughout this Championship.
However, Loughmore-Castleiney have the ability to rack up big scorelines. As a result, this final will be tightly contested.
Paddy Power put the reigning champions as favourites and 4/7. Otherwise, Loughmore-Castleiney are 15/8 and a draw is 13/2.
You can watch the game live from Semple Stadium on Tipperary GAA’s website.
Tipperary SFC Final: Clonmel Commercials vs Loughmore-Castleiney, Sunday 27th September, 4.30pm.Â
County Senior Football Final vs Clonmel Commercials, Sunday 27th September @ 4.30pm. This game will be streamed live by Tipperary GAA. You can purchase a Digital Pass at this link https://t.co/bo6ZLIcd2O
Keep those colours flying high this week they are needed more than ever.
— Loughmore-Castleiney (@Loughmore_Gaa) September 23, 2020
https://3.249.64.60/gaa/top-5-gaelic-football-goalkeepers/
https://twitter.com/Loughmore_Gaa/status/1308766394016845824
