In the losers' group final between Birr and Ballyskenagh, the Tipperary 'border team' had little trouble in disposing of Birr by 6-3 to 2-11, having led 4-2 to 1-6 at half-time. Birr did make a second half bid when they went ahead mid-way through the moiety, but the winners recovered to win without very much trouble.
Birr started out favourites, based on their excellent form against Drumcullen's 'new look' side which narrowly beat Birr (by one point) in the first round.
The team was expected to be even stronger with the return of Brendan Dolan (New York) and Brendan Gilmartin (Nigeria), but while both appeared fit they failed to regain their old form.
Consequently, Birr did feel a loss in the forwards, where Tom Taylor was replaced and the other 'regular' on the line was John Nevin.
The choice of Dicky Quinn for goal was a bad slip for Birr and it was only in the second half when Declan Hennessy took over the goal spot and Quinn went to full forward that Birr looked promising. Quinn was completely lost in the goal position.
Ballyskenagh displayed a confidence that stood them in very good stead and this was backed up by a determination to win that developed from the half forward Franks trio (Paddy, the captain, Dicky and Eddie). Here lay the essence of the Ballyskenagh team, with Eddie Franks playing magnificently and brother Paddy doing likewise on the opposite wing. Combined with Paddy McLoughlin's domination of centrefield and the excellent Ballyskenagh had few worries from Birr.
Gerry Kirwan in centre back and Paddy Dooley in full back had a splendid hour and Jack Dooley's many fine saves drew roars of appreciation. The Keeshans played reliably and in the forwards Billy McLoughlin and Jim Bolger rose to every expectation.
Birr played with a great will, Herbert Hennessy and Peter Loughnane having a difficult time, along with Jimmy Hogan, against the Franks trio. In centrefield, Paddy Tully often relieved, but more often it was Michael Loughnane who was left to hold the brunt of the Ballyskenagh attack.
Mick Dwane and Frankie Connolly were best of the forwards, Mick Spain was rarely given a 'goal' chance.
The scorers were -
Ballyskenagh Eddie Franks (3-0), Dicky Franks (1-1), Johnny Kirwan (1-0), A
substitute (1-0), Paddy Franks and Paddy McLoughlin (0-1) each.
For Birr - Johnny Spain (1-1), Mick Spain (0-4), Dicky Quinn (1-0), Paddy Tully (0-2), Mick Dwane (0-2), Frankie Connolly and Mick Sammon (0-1 each).
The Teams
Ballyskenagh: Jack Dooley, Sonny Hogan, Paddy Dooley, Danny Walsh, Joe Keeshan, Gerry Kirwan, Sean Keeshan, Ned Delaney, Paddy McLoughlin, Paddy Franks (capt), Dicky Franks, Eddie Franks, Johnny Kirwan, Billy McLoughlin, Jim Bolger.
Birr: Dicky Quinn, John Carey, Michael Loughnane, Pat Mulrooney, Jimmy Hogan (capt), Peter Loughnane, Herbert Hennessy, Paddy Tully, Brendan Gilmartin, Mick Sammon, Mick Spain, Mick Dwane, Frankie Connolly, Brendan Dolan, Johnny Spain