Ep. 182 – The Harty is back & Football finals galore

Episode 182 of The Premier View Podcast takes a detailed look at the latest round of the Harty Cup, with several Tipperary schools continuing to show strong form, while also touching on a busy period in county football. The conversation opens with the standout performance of Thurles CBS, who eased to a 2-29 to 0-07 win over Blackwater in Round 2. As described, it was “routine, to put it mildly,” with the result never in doubt once Thurles settled. A burst of early scoring, including a composed finish from Chris Dunne and a fortunate goal for Jack Cahill from a sideline cut, set the tone. The highlight, however, was the second half display from Tiernan Ryan who hit eight points from play and looked almost unmarkable. The panel agreed that Thurles are well placed to retain the Harty Cup, with powerful depth, scoring threats in every line, and the confidence that comes from topping their group once again.

Nenagh CBS also impressed, beating Ard Scoil Rís 4-18 to 1-19. While Ard Scoil may not be at the heights of previous years, Nenagh’s win was a strong statement. This is a group built from the Dean Ryan Cup success, now strengthened with the addition of Patrick Ryan and Shane Cleary who both progressed strongly at club level this season. The spine of the team is commanding, with Dan McKelvie at full back and Dara O’Dwyer central to their defensive structure. The group is seen as more balanced across positions compared to Thurles, although they may not have as many explosive forwards. Still, scoring four goals away to Ard Scoil marks them as serious contenders.

Templemore, on the other hand, slipped to defeat against St Joseph’s Tulla by 3-12 to 1-21, leaving their qualification hopes in the balance. They still retain a chance going into the final group game, but the loss of Chris Dunne to Thurles CBS was noted as a significant gap to fill. The discussion then broadened to the increasing spread of Harty Cup level schools across Tipperary. Clonmel High School and Cashel Community School may not be winning games at the same rate, but their competitiveness shows clear development and a wider rising tide of hurling quality around the county.

Attention then turned to the football championship, where Clonmel Commercials and Kilsheelan Kilcash prepare for this weekend’s county senior final. The conversation reflected on the emotional context surrounding Commercials after recent tragedy. The panel agreed that while no team ever wants to draw on such circumstances, the emotional motivation is real and will likely be present on the day. “They will want to do Philly proud,” was the sentiment, alongside recognition that the club and community would trade every medal to reverse such loss. The game itself is expected to be tight, winter-weather influenced, and possibly suiting an underdog approach, although Commercials’ pedigree remains a defining factor.

There was also time to acknowledge a dramatic intermediate football final where Thurles Sarsfields secured senior status after a gripping contest full of incident, saves, penalties, and late drama, with the fitness from their hurling involvement noted as a driving factor.

The episode closes with discussion of the new Tipperary jersey. While opinions were mixed on its design, the permanent inclusion of the Michael Hogan tribute detail was praised as something meaningful that sets the jersey apart and reflects the county’s identity.