Bring on Tipp, says jubilant McNamara

BRING on Tipperary was the war-cry of jubilant Offaly manager Mike McNamara after his side crushed Limerick in last night’s historic Guinness All-Ireland SHC qualifier at Semple Stadium, Thurles.

“We love a challenge and the harder it is the more we relish it simply because we hate to be beaten by anyone. By my reckoning Tipperary are the toughest opponents anyone could draw in the quarter-final and that is why I would be thrilled to be paired with them,” said the Offaly boss.

McNamara also revealed there was never a question of the Whelahan brothers refusing to play in last night’s game. “That they would not play never a rose. These fellows have given incredible service to Offaly hurling over the years and will continue to do so.

“What happened last week was a complete misunderstanding. When their loyalty was questioned everyone closed ranks. Everyone was galvanised into action as this response formed the launch pad for our victorious performance.”

“Man of the Match” David Franks added: “what happened with the Whelahans was little more than a storm in a teacup. There was no real crisis. The three lads missed one training session and the media made a meal out of it”.

Team manager McNamara said that Offaly served up their own particular brand of hurling “which is a joy to watch”, in the second-half.

“They played a much more expansive game than Limerick and their greater experience proved to be a telling factor. I thought David Franks gave a separative display when switched over on Donnacha Sheehan, who was causing us some problems early on.

We also had sterling performances from a huge number of players in every part of the field, while Brian Whelahan, at 32 years of age, ceases to amaze. Brendan Murphy was also a revelation and if we had him back before now I firmly believe we would not have had to use the back door to the quarter-final.

“In a final analysis I think the fact that we were able to maintain a two or three points advantage all through took the pressure off us and left Limerick chasing the game,” said a delighted Offaly manager who reaped a golden reward in his first year.

David Franks, who picked up his first man of the match award following a performance of his young lifetime, said this was an absolutely vital triumph for Offaly.

“We have been training hard since last January and we had two good victories in the League over Limerick and Cork. But after our Leinster semi-final defeat by Wexford people were saying that we were only a one half team. I think we proved the doubters wrong on this occasion because we hurled as well in the second-half as did in the first”.

Frank said: “Limerick hit us very hard. We expected that and it was tough going for a while. But it was a very sporting game with not one dirty stroke pulled.”

This was a very important win for us,” said Brian Whelahan. “Limerick threw everything they had at us but we dominated in the last 20 minutes and this was crucial to the outcome. Now we are back in the thick of things again and it’s a great feeling”.