Gunning for the Waterford Champs.
By Noel Dundon, Tipperary Media.
In a quarter of a century of Munster club hurling championship contests, Tipperary’s participation on the provincial stage has been less than impressive, if truth be told. And, since we are being all truthful, it will take an enormous performance from Loughmore Castleiney next weekend if they are to make a return visit to the final for the first time since they won it in 2007.
Ciaran McGrath and Noel McGrath survive from that final against Tulla of Clare and the 1-6 to 0-7 victory will not go down as one of the classic finals. Does it matter to Loughmore Castleiney? Not one bit.
Were they to win in Walsh Park on Sunday afternoon next, the Tipperary champions wouldn’t care if it was a 0-1 to 0-0 victory either, but one thing is certain – they travel south with a real sense of unfinished business in their thoughts following defeat by the same opposition at the same stage a few seasons ago. Granted, much of their ire might have been directed at the officials on that day following the dismissal of Noel and John McGrath, and then the felling of Brian McGrath with a reckless, late challenge which went unpunished and ultimately ended up with the ball in the Tipperary net.
But, the conduct of some of the opposition left a bit to be desired too and there was more than a feeling that home-town decisions were certainly evident on that miserable afternoon in Fraher Field, Dungarvan where a fair degree of play-acting was witnessed.
So, Loughmore Castleiney have plenty of incentive – not that they would need it as they go into battle representing the Premier County. But, the chip on the shoulder has got to be used as a positive influence and not carry the weight of revenge at all costs. It must be controlled, directed at the right tempo, and remain sustained throughout the contest as they bid to bring down a side which is bidding for fought provincial crowns in succession.
Ballygunner have been the kingpins of Munster club hurling and they are seeking to reach their eighth final in ten campaigns – they lost in 2015, 2017 and 2019 to Borris-Ileigh – but for those blips, their dominance would have been almost absolute. They have sauntered through the Waterford championship time and again and then arrive in Munster primed for a tilt at the ultimate crown. That’s where they are right now and they are licking their lips at the thoughts of Loughmore Castleiney coming to town. Yes, they will respect the Tipperary men, but they will also feel that they are more than capable of beating them – well, that’s the kind of confidence that comes with being so successful.
They will meet a different animal on Sunday though – they will have experienced a sense of what Loughmore Castleiney bring to the party already and they will have admired their resilience and their relentless nature. But, they will still feel that they can beat the visitors. That can be Loughmore Castleiney’s trump card.
Word that John Meagher is back on the field is a major boost to the squad – what kind of role he will play, if any, is up for debate though. There is hardly a better club centre back in Tipperary when on song, but having been away for some time, finding his best form could prove elusive. Don’t bet on it though – if Meagher plays, he plays with everything he has and that will mean bringing a hell of a lot to the team.
As mentioned initially, Tipperary’s participation in the provincial scene has been less than spectacular. In twenty five years, Loughmore Castleiney, Thurles Sarsfields, Borris-Ileigh and Toomevara have won the championship, but we have to go all the way back to 1987 for a Tipperary team to have captured the All-Ireland club final – Borris came close again in 2019 but ultimately they came up short. For a proud hurling super-power, it’s not a record to be proud of.
The U21 Championships.
They spoke about scrapping it for all sorts of reasons, until the clubs of Tipperary revolted. But, the U21 championships have found a gap in the calendar and we are seeing some top class games materialising. Just as well too, because without them, club action would be all but shut down and weekends at this time of the year would be slow about passing. Oh to have a few NHL games.
Ah well!!!!