Tipp U-21 coach hopes seniors’ loss won’t have knock-on effect

TIPPERARY U-21 hurling coach Noel Sheehy is hoping that the seniors’ defeat by Kilkenny at the weekend won’t have a knock-on effect on his charges ahead of tonight’s Munster final replay against Limerick.

Sheehy includes three seniors who figured against the Cats as well as a couple of fringe players on his team for tonight’s rematch, and expects a huge effort from all concerned, as Tipp endeavour to regain a title they last won in 1999.

“Last Sunday’s senior defeat was hugely disappointing, but what better way to get that out of our system than to win tonight,” he said. Young players are great to bounce back and I’m expecting our lads to give it one hell of a go against Limerick.

“We looked likely winners going into the closing minutes of the drawn game, but you have to give credit to Limerick, they refused to give up their title easily and got a late penalty, which gave them the draw.

“It was disappointing to let it slip, but that’s the beauty of this sport. It’s never over until the final whistle, and it’s all to play for again tonight.”

Tipperary have made a couple of changes in personnel, which in the words of Noel Sheehy, was done to freshen things up a bit.

“Diarmuid Fitzgerald is carrying an injury, which is why he has lost out, while in attack, we wanted to add a bit more penetration in the hope of getting more scores. Hopefully, the changes we’ve made will benefit the team.

“Limerick proved why they are worthy All-Ireland champions. They haven’t lost a game at this level in over two years, and while we came very close to toppling them, they showed their character in fight back to level it two weeks ago. Playing in Thurles is of no advantage to Tipperary. Every team coming here plays well, and if anything, we are under a bit of pressure to win at home. If the changes we’ve made work, we’ll win, but we’ll have to play well because I regard Limerick as an excellent team, one which won’t give up their title easily.”

Limerick coach David Keane, who is being hotly-tipped as Eamon Cregan’s successor, has called for an all-round improvement from his charges if they are to retain their title.

“There were at least six players who didn’t perform up to standard in the drawn game, and they know that themselves. I feel they are better focused for tonight’s clash and I’m expecting a greater effort on this occasion.

“There has been a lot of talk that we are under a certain amount of pressure to win three All-Irelands in a row, but I can honestly say I don’t feel it and neither do the players.

“The most important thing we’ve done in winning the last two is stopping the rot.

“There is now a base line from which Limerick can build for the future. I’m looking forward to winning tonight’s match, particularly for those who have not been involved before.”

The champions will again start favourites. Today, they are unbeaten in 13 games at this level with eight players going for their third title in a row. Such experience is invaluable at this level.

A lot will depend on whether Tipp’s seniors players can put the disappointment of last Sunday’s All-Ireland

semi-final defeat behind them. They lost a four-point lead going into the closing minutes which they should have been able to hold.

The inclusion of MacDara Butler on the 40 will give Tipp added strength in attack which was lacking in the drawn match, and players like Eoin Kelly and Lar Corbett must contribute more if the title is to go back to the Premier county.