(Report as appears on West Tipperary GAA Facebook page).

Solohead 0-16, Eire Og Annacarty Donohill 0-15.

Solohead edged out near neighbours Eire Og Annacarty Donohill in their opening game of the 2020 Tipperary Co-Op West Junior B Hurling Championship in Solohead last Wednesday. A late free proving the difference in a game where defences stood out.

With the backing of the strong breeze Eire Og led by 0-3 to 0-1 inside the opening ten minutes through points from Pat Aherne (2 frees) and Michael Buckley. After further points from Jack Kingston and Pat Aherne (free), the home side came more into the game to level matters 0-5 each at the water break. Eire Og picked up from where they left off with scores from David Breen, Paidi Bradshaw and Pat Aherne only for the home side to level matters on 21 minutes. Eire Og finished the half strongly with further points from Pat Aherne(2), Stephen McDonald(2) and another from Michael Buckley to leave Eire Og ahead 0-13 to 0-10 at half-time. The home side kept in touch even against the strong wind, keeping the visitors within reach.

Solohead with wind backing in the second period gradually wore down the Eire Og lead to draw level, 0-14 apiece by the 3/4 mark, and the second water break. Defences were becoming more and more on top with scoring opportunities at a premium. Even with the ageless John Quinn on the field, Eire Og found scoring hard to come by as the home side shut out any possible goal-scoring chances. Paidi Bradshaw restored Eire Og's lead on 47 minutes with what proved to be Eire Og's last score, only for Solohead to pop over a brace of frees to close out the scoring with ten minutes remaining. Try as they might, Eire Og couldn't score in spite of much pressure as Solohead emerged narrow one-point winners 0-16 to 0-15 at Mark Jordan's full-time whistle.

Eire Og's leading performers were Jamie O'Dwyer, David Breen, Mickey Bradshaw, Stephen McDonald, and top-scorer Pat Aherne.

Solohead: Damien Ryan, Christopher Ryan, Noel Kennedy, Jerry Dee, Brian Garvin, Seamus Burns (0-2f), Brendan Collins, Paul Ryan, Philip Doherty (0-1f), James Dee (0-7, (0-5f)), Colin Hanley, John Joe O’Brien (0-3), Jack Redican, Eoin Riordan (0-1), Christopher O’Connor (0-2) Subs Used: Mike Fitzgerald, Aidan Riordan, Declan Riordan, Denis O’Shea (Blood).

Eire Og Annacarty Donohill: Jamie O'Dwyer, Ciaran Loughman, Cathal Coughlan, Conor Devlin, David Breen (0-1), Mickey Bradshaw(capt), Peter O'Dwyer, Philip McGrath, Stephen McDonald (0-2), Michael Buckley (0-2), Richard O'Doherty, Pat Aherne (0-7, 6 frees), Jack Kingston (0-1), Cian Mooney, Paidi Bradshaw (0-2). Subs: Mike Fox for Conor Devlin, John Quinn for Jack Kingston.

Referee: Mark Jordan, Golden\Kilfeacle.