Hogan counting on Tipp tenacity

KEN HOGAN has been through it all before, as a successful player and a member of the Nicholas English management team which brought Tipperary their last Munster and All-Ireland SHC title wins four years ago.

Naturally he takes pride in the progress of this side, and how they have overcome poor early season form to progress to a provincial final against the All-Ireland champions.

Hogan readily admits that he doesn’t have a team of “superstars,” that it’s their honesty and commitment which has seen them come against Limerick and Clare.

“We have built that sort of tenacity over the three and a half games. Our play hasn’t been top-class and many people feel we are going up a real notch or two on Sunday. But we are under no illusions about that. We know Cork are worthy champions.

“At the start of the year people were saying that Tipp ‘were playing for fifth’ place in Munster. From the players point of view it was disappointing that people ranked us so lowly,’’ he explained.

“Realistically, for us to be playing in a Munster final is a huge bonus and to be playing in an All-Ireland quarter-final is an even bigger bonus.’’

There is, of course, the added satisfaction for him personally. Like any manager there are sacrifices to be made and the commitment to the job impacts particularly on his wife and children. But, it was something he was very much aware of when he signed on for the post.

“When you come into this game you are going to take flak. Having been involved as a trainer and selector, I knew it was a tough job. But, this is not about managers and trainers or selectors. This is a day for the players and deservedly so. They are amateur players and have put an awful lot into it. It’s a reward for all their efforts.’’

Hogan knows these days well. He played in three finals against Cork (1987, 1988 and 1991, two of which went to replays) and was never on the losing side. However, aside from Pairc Uí Chaoimh providing “a marvellous atmosphere,” he is all too familiar with the huge pressure on the players - as well as the referee and management teams. “Hopefully everybody will be experienced enough to stand their own ground and do as well as they can.’’

Cork’s display against Waterford impressed him, particularly their late surge. So, does he think Cork can improve? “Yes, they are hungry for this. When you see Neil Ronan in the subs - he had a tremendous game against us in the National League, when he got ‘man-of-the-match’ - it shows their strength in depth. They will no doubt move up a notch. And, we will be expected to move up too. We know that if we don’t we could be under serious pressure.’’

Philip Maher’s return is a huge boost for Hogan, not just for his playing talents. “The lads look up to him so much,’’ he commented.

Regarding Lar Corbett’s prospects of playing - he said it was a case of “hoping against hope. We’ll probably leave it to the last second to give him a chance to see if he will make it.’’

Interestingly, while Tipperary can call on ten of their All-Ireland-winning team of 2001 (seven of whom started against Clare), Hogan says that the younger players have been very much to the forefront in the campaign. “These are the guys who have played so well for us. It’s been a great experience for them, something like in my own time when we went in with a new team as well in 1987. You’re keen to do well. The players on both sides who have played in Munster finals could be more nervous. Because it’s an unknown quantity for the others, they can lift themselves and rise to the occasion.

“Our tenacity, hopefully, will stand to us, because we wouldn’t have the all-round brilliance of the Cork team or the individual stars.

People might say that it doesn’t really matter who wins, but if you speak to John Allen or Ken Hogan they will tell you that both teams will be gunning for glory.

“Reading between the lines, Cork want to go the whole route this year and win a Munster championship. Tipperary are in a different situation. We are going down to play - Cork are at home, but we have our dreams too. We’d love to do well in Cork.’’

It will be all about playing well on the day and, more importantly, being able to stay with the Cork team. “If we can manage that, you’d never know what might happen with ten minutes to go...”