Liam Sheedy: Tipp have been transformed, but will need another gear in Croke Park

Dublin are the story of this hurling championship, but Tipperary’s rise is just as compelling. And the form of John McGrath and Jason Forde is central to this narrative.

John McGrath, left, and Jason Forde of Tipperary celebrate after the 2016 All-Ireland Senior Championship Final match between Kilkenny and Tipperary at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

When the season pitches up at Croke Park, I’ve always felt you need to find something extra, another gear. The levels that got you there won’t be enough. You need everyone moving on top of the ground. Touch sound. Eyes in. Instincts razor sharp.

Back in 2019, I was happy enough Tipp were going to bring enough to properly represent ourselves on the great stage. At a camp in Carton House, Jason Forde was ripping it up in the sprints. His top speed over 10 metres was outrageous. You could see it with your own eyes, but I had to check with our sprint coach Shane McCormack, who pulled the numbers. “Off the charts,” he agreed.