A brave show from the Waterford under 20 footballers came up short at Semple Stadium tonight as Tipperary advanced to the Munster final by 0-11 to 0-9.
Padraig Fitzgerald starred for Gavin Whelan's men with three points from play while goalkeeper Ben Kirwan and midfielders Caoimhin Walsh and Sean Walsh also stood tall. Tipp captain Sean O'Connor was the matchwinner with six points (three from play and three from frees).
Waterford raced into a four point lead after seven minutes with captain Niall McSweeney on target twice. Padraig Fitzgerald's second of the evening made it 5-2 at the first water break. Tipp dominated the second quarter and kicked three unanswered points to level matters at the break. Déise shot stopper Ben Kirwan denied Emmet Butler from close range.
The home side snuck in front for the first time in the third quarter. McSweeney was shown a black card on 40 minutes. Tipp led by nine points to seven at the second water break.
Tom O'Connell narrowed the gap to a point entering injury time. Six second half wides proved costly for the visitors however as Tipperary hung on during six added minutes. The Premier County will face Cork in the provincial decider.
