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Kilkenny peaking at the right time – Tyrrell
MULTIPLE All-Ireland winners they may be, but the drive and hunger is just as strong as ever in this batch of Kilkenny hurlers.
"We're where we want to be – an All-Ireland final against Tipperary," said Jackie Tyrrell. "From our point of view the year has gone as possible, so we want to make sure we finish it off as best we can."
The Cats are coming to a peak at the right time, the James Stephens man reckoned and served notice of their intentions with a clinical dismantling of Cork in the semi-final.
"For 40/45 minutes the game against Cork was one of our best performances of the year," he reflected. "We were dominant all over the field, our forwards were getting scores and they (Cork) didn't seem to be threatening us at the back. The game tapered off near the end and Cork got a few scores, but it was good preparation going into the final."
However, Tyrrell agreed that Tipp's display against Waterford in their semi-final was just as good.
"Since losing to Cork they have gotten better and better with each game," he said. "They have brought in a few new lads and rejigged their team a bit.
Eye off the ball
"Maybe on the day Tipp took their eye off the ball, but they have regrouped since," he continued. "Their grade has gone up and up in every game they've played since, and they seem to be peaking at the right time.
"It was a kick in the backside alright, but maybe it was one that Tipp needed," added the 2006 All-Ireland winning captain. "If they had gotten over Cork they could have been caught later on in the year, so it definitely made their season."
Tipp's forwards have also shown a liking for moving positions, something Tyrrell picked up on from the 2009 final.
"Last year Lar Corbett went out to centre-forward and caused us lots of hassle, scoring four points. We'd have to expect something like that again – maybe Noel McGrath will switch with Lar, you just don't know. That's the beauty of Tipp's six forwards; they can play in any position. We'll just have to be ready for them and whatever they throw at us."
One of the big surprises for Kilkenny this year is the number of high profile injuries. Tyrrell smiled at the idea that the Kilkenny dressing-room resembled an episode of ER at times!
"Any time your phone rings or beeps you wonder is it another injury or what," he said. "Yes, we have had injuries, but they are part of sport.
Great defender
"In 2006 we lost J.J. (Delaney), probably one of the greatest defenders ever, a week before an All-Ireland final but you just have to get on with it. Another lad will be there to do the job – you could see that the last day, when Gorta (Martin Comerford) came in and set up a few scores. Brian Cody has always said it's about the strength of the panel – that's what it's all about.
"There are no individuals," he added. "If a player can't make it there'll be someone else there to put their shoulder to the wheel and drive the team on."
The return of Tommy Walsh was probably a relief for Tyrrell – it was a clash between the inter-county colleagues while on club duty that saw the Tullaroan man join the walking wounded.
"When the ball broke out on the wing I caught it, then as I going up the line out of the corner of my eye I saw this guy haring at me," Tyrrell recalled. "I said this lad is going to drive me out over the line! We just collided, then after the ball was cleared I looked around and saw Tommy holding his shoulder.
"It's one of those things that happens in hurling," he added. "Tommy is a tough cookie; you couldn't keep him down too long. We texted each other after the game that night and everything's fine, but that's the way it is in hurling – whether it's a clubman or inter-county colleague.
"Once you cross the white line there's no going back," he said. "Afterwards you can joke and laugh about it."
Kilkenny are looking forward to the challenge of going for five in-a-row. While there was a lot of wonder about the availablility of Shefflin, Tyrrell believes it will all spur on the team.
"Everyone knows what Henry is like," he said. "To lose a lad like him would be a killer. However, it's a challenge to everyone else in the panel to win.
"To win a fifth All-Ireland will be tough, but there's no point feeling sorry for ourselves" Tyrrell added. "The best thing we can do is go out there and get an All-Ireland medal."
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Weather for Kilkenny
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South
