Ryan disappointed despite Premier fightback
No-hopers Tipperary had earned a deserved draw against the aristocrats of this grade, who were going for their 41th provincial title, and there was an air of confidence in the voice of their coach Philly Ryan, who was a tinge disappointed that his charges didn’t pull off the shock of the season.
Despite going in at half time five points down, Ryan was confident his side could turn that around.
“We didn’t play to our potential in that opening half. I knew there was more in our lads than they had shown for the first 30 minutes, and it was only a question of getting it out of them,” said Ryan.
“Some of the refereeing decisions went against us which might have given us the victory but we are still in the title race and that’s the most important thing.
“I said to the lads at the break to keep their shape and continue to play football. They did that and while I’m pleased to be getting another chance, I’m a bit disappointed that we didn’t win the game. We certainly did enough to do so.
“The changes we made worked for us which is always pleasing. We may have been a bit slow in making them in the opening half, but all credit to those players who came in.
“We have a great bunch of lads and they want to do well for Tipperary football. They’ll be disappointed at not winning the game, but will also be very determined not to let the title behind them in the replay.
“It’s a tribute to our lads that Kerry had to take off both their midfielders and three forwards to try and win the game. When you see a player of the calibre of Barry John Keane being taken off you have to be happy with that.
“I know from my own experience you get one bite of the cherry against the big boys so we have a serious job to do to get our lads mentally ready for the replay.
“While we have only drawn the final, it’s a tremendous boost for the game in Tipperary and in particular for this group of players, and hopefully we can complete the job the next day.”
Kerry coach John Kennedy said that on the day he was happy with the draw, despite looking likely winners for 40 minutes.
“Conditions didn’t help either side and it became a bit of a lottery at times trying to hold your feet and control the greasy ball, but it was the same for both sides who will benefit from the game,” said Kennedy.
“I said all week that it was going to be a battle and we got that. All the advantages were with Tipp because of our victory over Cork.
“They had nothing to lose and had a go which very nearly paid off. We got on top early on and seemed in control but could never get away from them.
“Apart from the last quarter, as I saw it, we didn’t look to be in any serious trouble, but they got a great goal through a mix-up in midfield and it brought them right back into the match and gave them the momentum to drive on.
“In the end we were probably a bit lucky to survive. Had the referee played another minute, Tipperary had the impetus going forward, but I’ll take the draw and hopefully both teams will get a dryer day for the replay.
“Today showed once again the pressure young players come under in a Munster final. There was extra pressure on us because we went into the game as favourites, and were forced into make five changes.
“Today was a learning process for those lads who were taken off. We weren’t hungry enough, didn’t pick up too many breaks, and in some instances players were waiting for it to happen.
“That’s not the way games go in Munster finals, and if we can learn from today’s experience we’ll be a different outfit in the replay.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
