Tipp must sort back complaints
This spring Tipperary boss Eamon O’Shea has stuck mainly with the tried and tested and has a good idea of his playing panel. However, one piece of the jigsaw is unclear and has been since the retirement of Declan Fanning in 2010.
Fanning occupied numerous defensive positions since his league debut in 2004, winning an All Star at full back. He played right half back in 2009 and 2010, providing great strength and resilience on the wing.
Since then his graph has risen higher as Tipperary have failed to find an adequate replacement. It’s sorely felt by fans, particularly the older generations who find it inconceivable that a traditional county like Tipperary are struggling to produce a first rate right half back. Donagh Maher, known more as a corner back, played on the right wing of defence for their first outing. Pádraic Maher played there the next two while Conor O’Brien occupied the position since. Brendan Maher, back to his best throughout the league at midfield starts at right half tomorrow in a defensive reshuffle, owing to full back Paul Curran’s absence.
Looking to the future, the solution to this problem is essential for O’Shea. Maher might be the long term answer but we will have to wait until early June at least to make this judgement.
Dublin have achieved their immediate goal for 2013 going up to Division 1A. They approach this game in a relaxed mood with no pressure.They are not expected to win. They cede home advantage but Tipp have an inexperienced full forward line, some injury problems and there’s not a huge difference between 1A and 1B in a one off game. Dublin’s midfield and attack aren’t always consistent. These sectors did very well in the second half in their recent league final victory over Limerick. Full forward David ‘Dotsy’ O’Callaghan was in fine form and was close to Liam Rushe as their top performer. They moved the ball cleverly through O’Callaghan, retaining it and using it economically. If they can replicate this method of approach they will cause problems. Another good display from these sectors is crucial as consistency builds confidence and self belief — two traits which took a hammering last season. The recent win in Division 1B will have restored it a little of both. A good performance, particularly up front from O’Callaghan and company will do nicely for the time being. A win of course would be an added bonus.
Gradually Kilkenny’s experienced personnel are returning from injury. Walter Walsh featured against Cork. Michael Rice had game time against Clare. Cillian Buckley has yet to make an appearance with TJ Reid a notable long-term absentee. Experienced corner backs Paul Murphy and Jackie Tyrell suffered hamstring injuries in the Waterford game. Star midfielder Michael Fennelly (hamstring), who played well in the last two games is out tomorrow and Kilkenny are a much lesser team without him. Any recurrence of this type of injury can be very slow to shake off and can easily eat into a player’s season. Four of their top defenders, JJ Delaney, Tommy Walsh, Brian Hogan and Tyrell are on or over the 30 mark. Keeping these four injury free and getting Fennelly back to full fitness quickly is their main requirement. A win or loss for the Cats won’t be a defining moment for this team although they’ll want to remain in contention to deliver another title for absent manager Brian Cody.
Galway need to solidify their defence by getting their selections correct at centre and full back. Centre back was filled manfully by Tony Óg Regan in last year’s championship but he hasn’t featured as first choice there this year. Centre half back is a prime, if not the prime position in any team. It requires players to possess more pace now than 10 years ago but psychologically, within any team set up, a dominant centre half back is a key component. Galway have David Collins in this slot again tomorrow and he seems the choice for the future. Manager Anthony Cunningham will be wishing he performs well to provide the defensive confidence for his team, who have major ambitions of silverware. Behind Collins, Kevin Hynes is the other player in the Galway team who needs a good performance. Good teams are built from the back. Win or lose tomorrow, if Collins and Hynes are solid and steady then a nagging doubt regarding the defence is dispelled. No manager wants question marks hanging over his defence in late April as uncertainty undermines vital self belief.
In the replayed All-Ireland final Kilkenny stole a march on their western rivals by placing 6’5” Walter Walsh at corner forward on Johnny Coen and the stocky Richie Hogan at full on Hynes. Learning to deal with the clever Kilkenny forwards takes time and application. This will be another opportunity for Galway’s defensive education. In the first round, in a low-key affair they held Kilkenny goalless, always a good starting point.
Tomorrow’s action should be a little more intense. Galway don’t necessarily need to win. Learning a little more will satisfy the management’s requirements.... for now.
