Welcome returns for Liam Kearns.
Evan Comeford made his first appearance in a Tipperary jersey since he was issued with a 12 week ban for an incident with Paddy Russell when Tipperary took on Cork on Saturday night.
Comerford was joined by the returning Stephen O’Brien in the Tipperary lineup. O’Brien had been a part of the Premier County’s hurling panel for the last two years.
Tipperary got off to a flier in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. O’Brien made his mark after just fifteen seconds of play with a fine point.
The away side raced into a 0-4 to 0-1 lead after five minutes of play, with Clonmel Commercials’ star Jack Kennedy scoring a skyscraper of a point.
Cork weren’t long kicking into gear, with the threatening pace of Sean Powter at centre forward reaping dividends. Powter played at half back last year but a positional change to the forwards looks to be suiting him.
The Rebels raced into a 0-9 0-6 lead, with three white flags coming from the boot of Mark Collins. Collins’ stamina and pace caused problems for Tipperary’s rearguard.
The Tipperary goalkeeper, Comerford, who was subject to inquiries from various League of Ireland soccer clubs early last year, marked his return with a stunning penalty save just on the stroke of half-time from Cork’s Stephen Sherlock.
Spreading himself like a true professional – He has represented the Republic of Ireland at amateur level.
WATCH:
Cork win a penalty on the stroke of half-time but it's saved by Evan Comerford! #AllianzLeagues #MatchNightLive pic.twitter.com/XCODfNuMas— eir Sport (@eirSport) January 27, 2018
Cork led by 0-9 to 0-8 at half-time.
