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Hannigan says Tipp optimistic as they face ‘formidable’ challenge
By Jackie Cahill
Tipperary midfielder George Hannigan is bracing himself for a “formidable” challenge from Wexford in today’s qualifier.
The visitors are coming off the back of a narrow Leinster semi-final defeat against Dublin at Croke Park and Hannigan is anticipating a backlash.But Tipp can approach this fixture with a fair degree of optimism, having comfortably dismissed Offaly in the last round. And another Munster minor success has provided another shot in the arm for Tipperary football.
Proud Hannigan was at the Gaelic Grounds to watch the minors claim back-to-back provincial titles for the first time since 1935.
“They were unreal in the second half,” he beamed.
“They had goal chances in the first half but to come out and blow Kerry away after half-time was impressive. It just gives the whole football community a boost in Tipperary, to see them shove on like that. Hopefully we can repay the favour they did for us now.”
Hannigan will take heart from the exploits of David Power’s all-conquering minors but realises the seniors are up against it.
When they travelled to Wexford in the league back in March they found themselves on the receiving end of a 1-8 to 2-20 hiding.
“I wouldn’t say it’s about revenge,” said Hannigan.
“It’s the next team up and we’re not really thinking about what happened in the League. That was just a league game, over after 20 minutes and there’s no point analysing it and looking at what went wrong because it’s so far back.
“We were going through a poor spell at the time and that will have no bearing on Saturday’s game at all.”
That 15-point mauling was just one of the steps along the road to relegation to Division 4 — and the resignation of John Evans as senior team boss.
But Peter Creedon’s arrival has seen the team improve rapidly and the five-point victory over Offaly was progress.
“We know Peter from minor and U21 and what to expect. The training is lively with fresh ideas and we’re encouraged to express ourselves around the field. He’s just a good motivator and with the training and hard work, we might get a win.
“Peter knows how to handle players and different personalities. He’s doing well with Michael O’Loughlin, Gerry McGill and Tommy Twomey. They know their jobs too and their own areas to work on with us. Everything has been going well and for us, it’s about trying to progress as far as we can in the All-Ireland championship. It would be nice to get a good long run. But we’re not thinking about how far we can go. We’ll take each game as it comes.
“The Offaly game was a great boost. All we were looking for was that one win. But Wexford showed against Dublin what they can do and they were unlucky. We know that it’s going to be a tough game. Their forwards are lively and can take a score off left and right. They’re quick with the moves up there. But again, it doesn’t matter who we’re playing – we’ll focus on ourselves.”