56EE2013-05-16e2

User:rorynoonanDate:16/05/2013Time:12:06:56Edition:16/05/2013Thuthurecho160513Page:56Color:

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SPORTEvening Echo RACING: Lordan

going from strengthto strength: P45

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DRAGHUNTING:Two page All-Irelandspecial: P 67/47

GAABy MARK WOODS

RUGBY

Cork’s Michael Cahalane and Rickard Cahalane dejected after the game. Picture: Inpho

Tipp win as Rebelsfail to find rhythmA DISAPPOINTEDCork minor footballcoach Ephie Fitzger-ald admitted his sidegave themselves toomuch to do after aslow start in theirMunster semi-finaldefeat by Tipperaryin Thurles lastnight.

They trailed the holders0-8 to 0-1 after 35 minutes,but clawed their way backto lose by three (0-11 to 0-8)in the end as Tipp kept oncourse for an historicthree-in-a-row.

“We just never got intoa rhythm. We didn’t turnup at all in the first-half.We were very flat andTipp had a platform at

midfield to attack us.“I thought the lads

battled back as best theycould, but Tipp are awell-organised and phys-ically a huge side.

“We thought we had bigplayers, but Tipp were ab-solutely massive,” hesaid.

Fitzgerald offered no ex-cuses as Cork’s seasoncame to an end.

“The better team wonon the night. Their threepoints just after half-timegave them a cushion,” hedeclared.● More: Page 53.

O’Driscollsigns on foranother year

THE IRFU today announced a newone-year contract with BrianO'Driscoll, which will see himremain available to play for Irelandand Leinster until the end of June2014.

O’Driscoll paid tribute to theIRFU for giving him the time todecide his future.

“I want to thank the IRFU andLeinster for allowing me the time tothink about my future and discussmy options with my family,” saidthe star centre.

“The support my family and theIrish and Leinster fans have shownme over the past few months, andindeed years, has been phenom-enal, and I am now very muchlooking forward to one more yearplaying with Ireland and Leinster.”

The decision has been wel-comed by Irish boss Joe Schmidt.

“It's great that Brian has agreedto continue playing. He's an inspir-ational player, not only on thepitch, but also on the trainingground,” said Schmidt.

“He's played well again thisseason and other players continueto learn from him. I know that everysquad of which he is a part willprofit from his qualities both as arugby player and a person.”

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