Minor Victory is a Major Deal.
by Noel Dundon,Tipperary Media
There was much to cheer about from a Tipperary perspective after the minor hurlers victory in the All-Ireland semi-final after extra time.
A game which could have gone either way, Tipperary one felt, could have had the business done by the end of normal time and were perhaps fortunate to have created the chances to survive. All credit to them, they did create those chances and even though Galway were down to fourteen men for the vast majority of the game they held on very well and could easily have claimed a famous victory.
Galway showed tremendous resilience throughout the game and they made light of the numerical disadvantage. However, it perhaps took its toll on them by the time extra time came about, even though they were back to the full compliment. They also felt hard done by with a few refereeing decisionsand offered their views to the referee on occasions. But, the reality is that these decisions more or less balanced themselves out over the course of the game.
Tipp missed goal chances before Euan Murray eventually rattled the Galway net and one felt that had they bagged a few before half time and taken the opportunities presented, the Galway challenge could have petered out. Instead, Galway were buoyed by the fact that they were getting away with it and they ploughed on, gained confidence as they went and were in a position to win the match at the very death.
You would have to say that had this side lost the semi-final it would have been another big blow to Tipperary hurling. Instead, these boys are in the All-Ireland final against neighbours and keen rivals Kilkenny and they will have the hopes of the county with them as they ready themselves for the decider.
The Cats came through at FBD Semple Stadium in their clash with Clare – another game which went to extra time. And, with the Tipp/Clare contests having been very close, you can be certain sure that there will be nothing between the teams in the All-Ireland final either. It promises to be a rip-roaring game so let’s hope we can muster a big following and support the side from the stands, because this Tipperary team deserves all the support they can get.
When you see the likes of Cillian Minogue coming good with seven points from play, you would have to be impressed. Throw in the performances all year long of his clubmate Euan Murray, the solidity of captain Cathal O’Reilly and the cohesive way in which the entire team performs, you would have to be hopeful of a second title in three years.
James Woodlock and his backroom team deserve enormous credit for the way in which the team has been prepared. Each player is well aware of his job and what is expected of them. And, they are flexible – flexibility is an important aspect of the modern game of hurling and being able to switch from one position to another should never be underestimated.
The coaching team has ensured this in the minor team and having watched their training sessions on a few occasions, you can see exactly what they are about. Match day intensity is sought after in all the drills, in the games and in the preparation, but there is also ample time given to explaining the plan, how it will be executed and how it should work. Crucially, there is also plenty of discussion on how to cope when things go wrong.
You could see in Tipperary last Saturday that when the wheels were wobbling, the process remained strong. They stuck to the plan, kept doing what they have been doing all year long and eventually, the structure fell into place again and the ship was steadied.
Most matches are won and lost when one side or the other gets on top. Winning is about ensuring that when you are on top, you make hay. But, it is also about ensuring that when the opposition is on top, you limit their joy by putting whatever spokes you have in their wheels. This Tipp minor hurling team seems to have mastered that art – they will need it again for the Cats in the final.
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