Tipp un cork a fizzfull of fighting spirit.
By Noel Dundon
Any evening in February when you manage to get 12,000 spectators to come to a hurling match in the dark, you are on to a winner. Throw in the fact that it was another clash between age-old rivals Tipperary and Cork and the sense of occasion is enhanced further still. And, the fact that it was played in FBD Semple Stadium with the unfancied hosts getting the better of the visitors – well, it doesn’t get much better.
Admittedly, this victory will mean little in the greater scheme of things, but you just got the sense on Saturday evening that there has been something of a turning point in Tipperary. Little things are beginning to fall into place; newcomers are bringing renewed energy to the set-up; and each player is fully aware of their role. Perhaps most crucially of all – they are carrying out their roles and doing so with much style.
Liam Cahill was keeping his feet on the ground after this stirring victory which certainly had the supporters on their feet at the final whistle. The manager was resolute in his determination to articulate that this win was just another step towards creating the kind of Tipperary team which the Premier public demands. That team is taking shape nicely and with the kind of spirit displayed in this latest outing with players backing each other up, chasing down opponents, crashing into tackles, making gut-busting runs, helping each other out – especially when in trouble – and not taking any backward steps.
Cahill’s men are winning the admiration of the hurling public. That admiration was very much in evidence at the final whistle as pleas for supporters to stay off the field, fell on dismissive ears -it was actually lovely to see even if the ground staff in FBD Semple Stadium might not agree.
So Tipperary top the group and have consolidated their position in the top division for 2026. A comment by the manager in relation to that consolidation was rather telling – Liam Cahill offering the view that this top status is important for the further development of the squad going forward. Clearly, the management team is keeping an eye on the future as well as dealing with the present. That can only be seen as being very positive.
It’s quite obvious that Tipperary are getting more and more comfortable with the demands of the modern game. They are getting to grips with the kind of opposition tactics which have often left them in a daze and they are getting more adept at imposing their own game on their opponents. In seasons past, Tipp would have capitulated when Cork got on top and tagged on unanswered scores – this happened on three occasions in the game when Cork put three scores in succession on the board with two of those instances giving them the lead. But no, Tipp hit back and their resoluteness was admirable.
Onwards now – a week off, and then it will have to be full guns firing for the trip to Kilkenny for the Cats final game of the league.
Democracy gone mad as Congress throws out the handpass scourge.
It’s quite baffling that so many delegates at Congress actually think there is nothing wrong with the handpass in hurling. You would have to wonder how many games those voting are actually attending because the one sure thing you will hear at all games from juvenile to senior is “ throw ball”.
Tipperary’s Conor O’Donovan has been ploughing a lone furrow for a long time in relation to the handpass and he has articulated his viewpoint so well on many occasions. But there are none so deaf as those who do not want to hear – clearly the majority of delegates fall into this category. It is mind boggling how they can be so blinkered and they have effectively thrown referees across the country under the bus. The refs will now have to adjudicate on the impossible and they will be at the centre of much scrutiny as a result of the handpass remaining in its current state.
Footballers pay London price.
A great run came to a crashing end for the Tipp footballers with London’s last gasp two pointer consigning Philly Ryan’s men to their first taste of defeat. It’s important now that they bounce back and try to get something from the clash with Limerick in Rathkeale next weekend – not an easy task, it must be said.