Underage success no guarantee of bright future for Tipperary

WHILE this year’s underage successes have been hugely encouraging, Tipperary have a long way to go if they are to retake their seat at hurling’s top table, according to U21 manager Fr Tom Fogarty.

National titles have been few and far between for the Premier county this past few years, but the All-Ireland title secured by their minors last Sunday could be joined by the equivalent U21 crown this weekend if Fr Fogarty’s charges can defeat Kilkenny in Croke Park.

Kilkenny are chasing their 10th U21 title this year and Tipp their ninth, but the Cats’ last success came in 2004. Tipp’s was 11 years ago. The statistics for the minor and senior grades show equally stark differences.