Veteran skipper Dunne aims to lead Toomevara to final glory

TOOMEVARA skipper Thomas Dunne has added reason to relish leading the Tipperary champions out in this afternoon’s All-Ireland club hurling semi-final in Portlaoise.

Tipperary’s inspirational captain in their last Liam McCarthy Cup triumph in 2001 was even unsure this time last year about continuing at club level after calling a halt to his inter-county career. However, a new manager, a new challenge and surge of energy persuaded him to continue.

“Last January twelve months, I couldn’t see myself in this position. I didn’t even see myself hurling with Toom in the 2006 championship,’’ he explains. “So, to come from that point to this point is a massive change and it’s something that I’m really enjoying.”