Tipperary are back in familiar territory, Croke Park in July. Liam Cahill’s side eased past Galway in this evenings All-Ireland SHC quarter-final at the Gaelic Grounds, with an eight-point win that looked even more comfortable than the scoreboard suggests. A late goal by Portumna’s Declan McLoughlin added a touch of gloss for the Tribesmen, but this was Tipp’s game from the first whistle to the last.
For Premier fans, there’s plenty to celebrate. After the heartbreak of the 2023 quarter-final against the same opposition in the same location, in similar conditions, this was a statement performance. However, as with any championship outing, there’s always room for refinement. Here are five key positives and one negative to take from the win.
1. Scoring Threat Across the Forward Line
The hallmark of this Tipp win was balance and depth across the attack. All six starting forwards had registered scores from play within 25 minutes, a stat that will hearten management ahead of the Kilkenny semi-final.
10 Scorers in Total, 9 from Play chipping in a total of 1-22.
Jason Forde top-scored with 0-07, including 2 sideline cuts and a free. John McGrath added 0-03, Andrew Ormond impressed with 0-05, and Jake Morris was dynamic and dangerous with 0-05 of his own. Darragh McCarthy also contributed 0-03 from placed balls while being fouled for several more.
This spread of scoring made it difficult for Galway to mark anyone out of the game. It also showed how fluid Tipp’s forwards are with John McGrath and Forde in particular in the first half rotating to great effect across the line.
2. The Return of a Ruthless Edge
The Tipperary ability to punish mistakes was a key difference in this clash. They racked up 1-14 from turnovers, a sign of their hunger and work rate off the ball.
Galway were poor in possession, but Tipperary made sure every error stung. Whether it was Craig Morgan’s sharp deliveries from deep, Willie Connors’ graft around the middle third, or the forwards snapping into tackles, Tipp showed a ruthless streak that has been lacking in previous years.
That edge was best exemplified in the 59th minute, when Noel McGrath, with ice in his veins, picked the perfect pass for Oisín O’Donoghue to slot home a decisive goal. A slick move, started by Rhys Shelly, ended with Galway heads down and Tipp fans in full voice.
3. Rhys Shelly’s Steadying Presence in Goal
In a year when goalkeeping mistakes have cost other teams dearly, The Man from Moycarkey Borris, Rhys Shelly is quietly becoming one of Tipp’s most valuable assets. His sharp reflexes and clean distribution stood out once again.
He pulled off two crucial saves — first denying Kevin Cooney in the first half, and then repelling Cathal Mannion’s drilled free late on. He even played a part in Tipp’s goal, starting the move with a quick outlet to Willie Connors.
Shelly’s confidence is growing game by game, and with Kilkenny looming, Tipp will need that reliability under pressure.
4. Impact from the Bench
Cahill’s bench did exactly what every management team hopes for,it improved the team.
Oisín O’Donoghue made an immediate impact after coming on, finishing Tipp’s only goal and offering a spark that kept Galway on the back foot. Darragh Stakelum also chipped in with two points, and Noel McGrath got on the scoresheet after replacing his brother.
Having options like Seamus Kennedy and Conor Stakelum ready to step in shows the growing depth in this Tipp squad. It will be crucial if they are to go all the way.
5. The Mental Strength to Close It Out
When Colm Molloy found the net early in the second half and cut the deficit to two, the script had the potential to turn against Tipp. Galway had momentum and a renewed belief.
Instead, Tipperary responded with six unanswered points. It was a mature, measured, and composed passage of play that effectively ended the contest. They refused to panic and slowly dismantled Galway’s hope.
That resilience, especially after the gut-punch of conceding a goal, bodes well for what lies ahead.
The One Negative: Wastefulness in Front of Goal
If there’s one area that will concern Cahill and his selectors, it’s the wide count. Tipperary hit 14 wides, many of them in very scoreable positions.
At this stage of the championship, efficiency is everything. Against a side like Kilkenny, those chances may not come as often, and the Cats won’t be as forgiving on the counter.
Several players were guilty of snatching at efforts under little pressure. While the quality of Tipp’s build-up play was excellent, they need to tidy up their finishing if they are to book an All-Ireland final spot.
Final Thoughts
Tipp are peaking at the right time. 3 Year’s into Liam Cahill’s reign, this performance was full of power, precision, and purpose. The team is playing with rhythm and pacd, and the blend of experienced campaigners like Forde and McGrath with young guns like O’Donoghue and Ormond is starting to click.
The semi-final against Kilkenny will be a massive step up in intensity, but Tipperary are back in the arena, and they’re carrying form, confidence, and a Croke Park swagger with them.