The gift that keeps on giving and giving and giving.
Michael Quinlivan is one of the best footballers in the country. Tipperary’s full forward has everything. Pace, strength, drive, skill, determination and confidence. You name it – the Clonmel Commercials ace has it.
He was having a quiet day at the office in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday night. By his standards, anyway. And his standards are the loftiest in the game. Ask Armagh, who he scored a late hat-trick against last year in the league. Ask any man who’s marked him over the last two years.
And he’s only getting better and better and better.
Spreads himself like a bed sheet. Great stuff from Comeford on his @TipperaryGAA return https://t.co/3SAf8dr1eq
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) January 27, 2018
Liam McGrath was doing the damage for Tipperary, with Noel and John’s cousin having 1-4 to his name by the 50th minute of the game.
Quinlivan may be quiet for a spells. But he’s never quiet for a full game, and that must make him a nightmare to mark. Cork full back Seamus O’Sullivan had his measure for the first half, but then, like a true assassin and like only he can, Liam Kearns’ weapon pounced.
He received an inviting pass from his impressive club man Jack Kennedy. From there, there was only going to be one result.
He turned him with consummate ease. He bullied him, man-handled him. Opened his body, took a look up and placed it in the top corner in one beautiful swoop.
Great finish from Tipperary's Michael Quinlivan watch it here with GAANOW pic.twitter.com/JQnGzOJ6DK
— The GAA (@officialgaa) January 27, 2018
That put Tipperary six points up after 16 minutes of the second half.
Colm O’Neill was quick to respond with a goal for the Rebels, but Liam Kearns’ men kicked on to win by 3-15 to 1-16.
Liam McGrath’s second goal was similarly delightful.
Liam McGrath's second goal gives Tipperary a six point lead in the dying minutes of the game. pic.twitter.com/ylwwqhOMxI
— The GAA (@officialgaa) January 27, 2018
