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Don't write off Tipperary just yet
MANY superlatives have been written and spoken about Cork's recent success over Tipperary in the Munster senior hurling championship in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. For some it was the Rebels greatest hour with the team described as one of the best ever.
It was even suggested that had Cork not been on strike over the past two seasons, Kilkenny would not now be going for five All-Ireland titles in-a-row. Kilkenny people should have seen that one coming!
People can be prone to exaggeration in Cork at times. It was undoubtedly a big game for Cork, coming as it did after two years of strife and turmoil. It was, also, the first time in three years that the squad had worked individually to a specific programme over the Winter and later as a collective group from the beginning of January.
Team manager Denis Walsh had little chance last year to make progress with the squad. He had pretty-much written off 2009 after his appointment. The real work started with the Waterford Crystal competition in the New Year. His team has been very much on an upward trajectory since.
The recent National League final performance against Galway though left some doubts as to whether the earlier ’League form was a true reflection of Cork’s progress. Question marks were raised about many players, and while Denis Walsh did not give any hint of concern after the loss to Galway, he must have left Thurles that day feeling a little uneasy.
Few new faces emerged during the ’League, so when it came to selecting a championship team the odds were always going to favour the old guard. Age wise this would not be a problem, but would the mental approach of the players be a strong as ever?
When the GAA championship draws were made last October, I wondered what impact the fixtures might have on teams preparing for 2010. When Cork were paired with Tipperary in the first round, this was surely all the motivation the Rebels needed.
No wonder the preparation went so well over the Winter and Spring!
Tipperary inquests
The inquests and recriminations have continued in Tipperary since the team’s demise by the Lee. The comments from former County Secretary Tommy Barrett were surprising, but it must be acknowledged that the Thurles man knows his hurling.
It was no surprise to see former team manager, Michael ‘Babs’ Keating castigate everyone involved with the Tipp team. It is something Babs has been making a habit of since he vacated the manager’s seat.
Keating has never been slow to air his comments about hurling, and Tipperary in particular, but his recent outburst was unbecoming of an individual who wore the county’s colours with such pride and distinction for years.
For a pointer as to why Tipperary collapsed against Cork we need to go back to last year’s All-Ireland final. The Premier County was in control of the game entering the closing quarter, but once Kilkenny moved on to a higher gear, the Tipp collapse was sudden and dramatic.
Kilkenny was coasting when the final whistle blew. Had there been another five minutes of play, the victory margin may well have doubled. For over 60 minutes Tipperary played to their maximum potential, but they could not match the intensity of Kilkenny’s onslaught in the crucial closing stages.
During the match the Tipperary players gave their all, but still came up short. The deficiencies evident that day were again visible during the ’League, but you expected a team of Tipperary’s calibre to find its rhythm and undoubted ability once the first championship whistle sounded.
The signs looked ominous against Cork from an early stage, even if the game was still there for the taking at the interval. All over the field Tipperary was playing second fiddle to more determined opponents. This was most notable in the play of Aisake hAilpn who gave a torrid time to a succession of Tipperary defenders.
Will worry Sheedy
Tipperary’s second half capitulation will have worried manager, Liam Sheedy and his selectors. Cork’s electric start was to be expected, and it would not have come as any surprise to the Tipp mentors. Sadly for the Premier County, when the real pressure came in the second half they had no leaders.
In the heat of the championship every team needs leaders, and they need them to step forward. Cork had them in abundance. Tipperary had none.
Cork’s championship ambitions remain firmly on track and it is impossible to see Limerick causing an upset in the Munster semi-final. They may well be the favourites to capture the Munster title, but they would be well advised to keep their success over Tipp in context.
That was an excellent Cork display, but the Tipp collapse was seismic and unexpected. It might be wise to hold the superlatives, for now at least.
Despite this hammering, it is far too early to write off Tipperary’s championship prospects. Liam Sheedy has four weeks from last weekend to refocus his players. He would certainly have hoped for an easier outing than against Wexford in the first round of the Qualifiers.
Matches in ’Park
In many respects this is the ideal draw for Tipperary. No one can abdicate his responsibilities over the next few weeks because Wexford will present a formidable challenge. What’s more, the Model County don’t fear Tipperary.
However, the likely loss of team captain Diarmuid Lyng is a devastating blow to Wexford.
It must be frustrating for Carlow and Laois to have been drawn to play each other in the preliminary round of the Qualifiers, having just faced each another in the Leinster championship. The winners play Antrim. The Northerners will be happy with the draw, particularly if they can maintain their recent good form.
None of the teams involved in the early Qualifier rounds, with the exception of Antrim, will be too happy with the draw. But the draw may turn out to be good news for Kilkenny as Nowlan Park would appear to be the obvious venue for the Carlow v Laois and Wexford v Tipperary matches.
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Weather for Kilkenny
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 4 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South
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