The scoreline tells its own story in this one-sided All-Ireland U-21 Hurling semi-final between Down and Tipperary played at O'Moore Park, Portlaoise on Saturday 28th August with the Munster champions winning pulling up on a scoreline of 4-20 to 0-5.

The gulf in class and experience was evident right from the start as the Tipperary side raced into a eight points lead after ten minutes play, and by the interval they were almost ‘out of sight' leading by 1-12 to 0-3. Try as they might the gallant Down side just couldn't compete with their opponents who scored three goals early in the second-half to go for a resounding win in the end.

It was a disappointing end to the season for the Down side, but it was a huge ask to expect them to compete against one of the real hurling powers in Tipperary who have emerged from a very competitive Munster campaign and must be favourites to go on and win the All-Ireland title.

Hopefully, this heavy defeat won't dishearten the Mourne players and officials, and to their credit even when the game was ‘dead and gone'they continued to battle to the final whistle.

Down – R. Murray; D. Coffey, J. Doherty, C. Braniff; C. Coulter, A. Dynes, P. Hughes; D. McCusker, D. Flynn; J. McCusker 0-1, B. McGourty 0-3, G. Flynn; P. Smith, E. Clarke, A. Bell.

Subs used – B. Johnston 0-1, M. Gilmore, M. Ennis, S. McManus and M. Watson.

Referee: E. Morris from Dublin.