Tipperary U20 Train Back on Track
Tipperary’s commanding 3-21 to 0-21 victory over Clare in the Munster U20 Hurling Championship on Wednesday night in Sixmilebridge marked a strong return to form for Brendan Cummins’ side. After an opening-round loss to Limerick, Tipp have responded in style with back-to-back wins over Cork and Clare, reigniting their campaign and reasserting themselves as serious contenders for provincial honours.
This performance against Clare wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. Tipp’s clinical edge, tactical flexibility, and strength in depth were all on display in a performance that mixed structure with moments of individual brilliance. With Waterford up next, the Premier County now sits in a strong position to challenge for a top-three finish and a Munster semi-final spot at the very least.
Five Positives from the Clare Clash
1. Clinical Goal-Scoring Ability
The defining feature of the match was Tipperary’s ability to raise green flags at crucial moments. All three second-half goals came at times when the game was in the balance, and they effectively killed off Clare’s resistance. Conor Martin, operating in a more advanced role than in previous outings, finished superbly for two of them, while Paddy McCormack’s effort was an instinctive strike from a tight angle. Tipp’s capacity to convert goal chances will be a major asset as the championship progresses.
2. Midfield Control and Composure
The midfield duo of Joe Egan and Adam Daly offered a masterclass in controlled aggression and intelligent distribution. Their ability to win dirty ball, drive forward, and link with the half-forward line ensured Tipp controlled the tempo. It wasn’t flashy, but it was highly effective. Their engine and awareness will be crucial against the more physical and structured midfields of Offaly or Galway should Tipp advance.
3. Defensive Solidity and Organisation
Clare were limited to points only, which is a testament to the cohesion of Tipperary’s back six and the reliability of Eoin Horgan between the posts. Horgan’s sharp save in the first half kept Clare from gaining early momentum, and defenders like Kyle Shelly and Diarmuid Brennan stood tall throughout. The balance between aggression and discipline in defence was notable and kept Clare at arm’s length despite their efforts to find a breakthrough.
4. Smart Tactical Adaptation
Facing a Clare side that deployed a sweeper, Tipp cleverly avoided getting bogged down in lateral play. Instead, they delivered quick, direct ball into the inside line where McCormack and Oisin O’Donoghue could thrive one-on-one. This bypassed Clare’s extra defender and made the most of Tipp’s physical edge inside. The ability to tweak tactics mid-campaign suggests a level of maturity and coaching flexibility that will serve them well in tighter battles.
5. Bench Impact and Squad Depth
When the game opened up in the final quarter, it was substitutes like Jamie Ormond and Jack Hayes who kept the pressure on Clare. Their fresh legs and sharpness allowed Tipp to finish strongly. Depth is often what separates good sides from great ones, and Cummins seems to have a bench that can maintain standards when changes are made.
Area of Concern: Defensive Tactics in Bigger Games
One area that remains a concern is the conservative shape Tipp adopt, especially in transition. While effective in containing Clare, questions remain about how this system will hold up against sides with greater firepower, like Offaly or Galway. There’s also the worry that this setup is currently suppressing the natural flair and creativity of Tipperary’s forwards — arguably the most talented group in the country at this level.
Tipp’s tradition has always been about expressive, attacking hurling — and this current group has the tools to play that way. Against weaker sides, the defensive shape works. But come the crunch ties, it might be time to trust the forwards, take off the tactical shackles, and let Tipp hurl with full freedom.
Looking Ahead
With Waterford next, Tipp will look to continue this upward trend and seal progression. A win would keep them firmly in the hunt for third place at minimum, a semi-final berth — and potentially more. The momentum is building. If Tipp can continue to blend tactical structure with their natural attacking instincts, they could yet go a long way in this championship.
The train is back on track — now it’s time to see how far it can go.