2013 National Hurling League: Tipperary's Path to the Final
The 2013 National Hurling League provided a thrilling showcase of elite skill and intensity, with Tipperary emerging as one of the dominant forces of the season. Competing in Division 1A, Tipperary navigated a challenging group stage and a decisive semi-final to reach the championship game, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash against their rivals, Kilkenny.
Key Facts
- Final Result: Kilkenny defeated Tipperary 2–17 to 0–20 on May 5, 2013.
- Semi-Final Dominance: Tipperary beat Dublin 4–20 to 0–17.
- Top Performers: Séamus Callanan and Eoin Kelly were pivotal scorers for Tipperary throughout the campaign.
- Venue of the Final: The championship match took place at Nowlan Park.
- Controversy: The final saw two red cards issued to Lar Corbett and JJ Delaney in the 46th minute.
The Road to the Semi-Finals
Tipperary's journey through the league was a mixture of hard-fought battles and offensive explosions. They opened their campaign with a loss to Cork (0-26 to 1-11) but quickly found their rhythm. A narrow victory over Kilkenny (2-17 to 1-19) at Semple Stadium proved they could compete with the best, followed by a massive 4-22 to 1-20 win against Galway at Pearse Stadium.
Despite a slight stumble in a 1-14 to 0-16 loss to Waterford, Tipperary secured their momentum with a 3-19 to 1-14 victory over Clare. This strong run ensured their place in the knockout stages of the competition.
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Semi-Final Triumph over Dublin
On April 21, Tipperary faced Dublin at Semple Stadium in a match that was largely decided in the opening minutes. Within the first 10 minutes, Tipperary established an eight-point lead (2–3 to 0–1), thanks to early goals from Shane Bourke and Patrick Maher.
The momentum continued into the first half, where Séamus Callanan converted a penalty to make the halftime score 3–11 to 0–8. Tipperary maintained control until the final whistle, capping off the performance with a fourth goal from substitute Michael Heffernan following a mistake by the Dublin goalkeeper. The match ended in a convincing 4–20 to 0–17 victory for Tipperary.
The Final: A Clash of Titans
The league final took place on May 5 at Nowlan Park, where Tipperary met Kilkenny. The match was a tightly contested affair, but Kilkenny took an early advantage. Michael Fennelly was a standout in the first half, scoring two goals and three points to lead Kilkenny 2–07 to 0–11.
The game reached a boiling point in the 46th minute of the second half. In a moment of high tension near the Kilkenny goal, Lar Corbett and JJ Delaney were both sent off after wrestling each other on the ground. Despite Tipperary's efforts to close the gap, Kilkenny held on to win 2–17 to 0–20, claiming the 2013 National Hurling League title.
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Division 1A Standings Summary
The competitive nature of Division 1A is reflected in the final standings, where Tipperary and Kilkenny both finished with three wins and two losses, though Tipperary held a superior point difference.
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | F | A | Diff | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tipperary | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 10-85 | 4-93 | 10 | 6 |
| Kilkenny | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 6-81 | 8-71 | 4 | 6 |
| Galway | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 7-71 | 6-81 | -5 | 5 |
| Waterford | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3-72 | 4-75 | -6 | 5 |
| Cork | 5 | 1 | 2 | 6-78 | 4-80 | 4 | - | |
| Clare | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 4-86 | 10-73 | -5 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2013 National Hurling League final?
Kilkenny won the final, defeating Tipperary with a score of 2–17 to 0–20.
Which players were sent off in the final?
Lar Corbett of Tipperary and JJ Delaney of Kilkenny were both sent off in the 46th minute after a physical altercation on the ground.
How did Tipperary perform in the semi-final against Dublin?
Tipperary dominated the match, winning 4–20 to 0–17, with goals from Shane Bourke, Patrick Maher, Séamus Callanan, and Michael Heffernan.
Who was the top scorer for Tipperary in the semi-final?
Séamus Callanan was the top scorer in the semi-final, contributing 1-07, including a penalty.
Where was the 2013 National Hurling League final played?
The final was played at Nowlan Park in Kilkenny on May 5, 2013.