Archiving The Rebellion

The Nationalist

wed feb 19th 1919

FOOTBAL FINAL
WEXFORD WINS FOR FOURTH TIME
TIPPERARY'S HARD LUCK
DEFEATED BY A POINT
HUGE CROWD WITNESS great match IN DUBLIN
A crowd estimated at between 10000 and 12000 witnessed a thrilling struggle for the final of the 1918 all ireland football championship at Croke Park on Sunday, between Wexford (holders) and Tipperary. The weather was fine and mild, while the sod had recovered nicely from the soaking rains of Friday and Saturday. It was genearly believed that Wexford would experience little dificulty in again winning the championship, but the supporteres of Tipperary were confident that the representatives of the premier county would only go under, if at all, after a stiff fight. Play was not long in progress when it was seen that Wexford was up against a downright good team, whose speed and dash came at a great surprise to the vast majority of the spectators. A terrific pace was set from the start,  and with both teams trained to perfection, it was maintained to the finish with surprising vigour. There wasn't a dull moment while the match was in progress, and the contest will long be remembered by those who had the pleasure of witnessing it. It was a battle well worthy of the reputation of the  famous counties engaged, and it was one of the best finals played in recent years. As a result of their victory Wexford have established a record in connection with the aAll hip Ireland championship, as hitherto no team had succeeded in carrying off the "Blue Riband" four years in succession
That Tipperary had not the best luck must be admitted, and it was certainly verd hard lines on them to have lost a point scored by McCarthy in the second half owing to a foul by one of the Wexford backs a moment previously. In a tussle for the ball Mccarthy got possesion, and just as he got in his kick and scored a point he was fouled and the whistle went for a "free". The point was, of course, disallowed, and the resulting free was cleared by Wexford. Tipperary had quite as much of the play as Wexford but the latter's great experience proved very advantagous on several occasion. The fielding of either team left nothing to be desired, and if "frees" were rather numerous the fouls commited were of a very technical nature and were mainly due to the keeness and anxietyo fi the playeers. The match was fought in a true sporting spirit and reflected the utmost credit on the contestants.
There wasn't a weak spot in either team from the custodians to the scoring forwards, every man playing as if the result depended on his efforts. While saying this we do not wish to convey that individualism was the order of the day, as such was far from being the case, asnd seldom has better combination been witnessed. For Tipperary, Carroll (goal) was very sound, and never made the slightest mistake. E. O'Shea cam through the ordeal with flying colours, while the halfbacks, Shelly, Egan, and McNamara, were a trio very much in the picture all through. McNamara, indeed, was the outsanding player on the ground, and he covered himself with glory. Nothing finer than his play could possibly be wished for. Powell, Grant, Quinlan, Heffernan, McCarthy, and Skinner also did splendidly. and the latter played up to his best form.
On the Wexofrd team, McGrath (goal) deflected a couple of really good saves. Mackey was as cool and resourceful as ever, and he was always one too many for Tipps scoring forward. J. Byrne and T. Doyle were ever conspicious in the defense, and Crowley, in the centre, fielded and kicked cleverly. T. Murphy and Hodgins were the mainstays of the right wing. And on the opposite wing Howlett, Reynolds, and Gus O'Kennedy operated with all their customed cleverness. They were, however, repeatedly held in check by McNamara, who proved more than a match for them at close quarter. Aidon, Doyle, and Redmond did very well against a great defense.
Wexford were deservedly congratulated on the ir victory, while Tipperary also come in for their share of encomiums. The Munster Champions have youth on their side, and Sundays narrow, and, to a certain extent, unlucky defeat, will only help to stimulate them.