Hogan says Tipp hurdle is formidable

THIS year’s springtime hurling action was defined by the physicality and intensity of Tipperary’s game against Kilkenny in the NHL decider, and the Cats attacker Richie Hogan is forecasting a repeat showing in next month’s All-Ireland final.

Tipperary’s semi-final thumping of Limerick last Sunday has set them up as the obstacle Kilkenny must hurdle in their four-in-a-row pursuit and Hogan regards Liam Sheedy’s men as dangerous opponents.

“We knew Tipperary were very good but they’re flying it at the moment,’’ Hogan said. “Limerick had a similar game to what Waterford had against us last year. They just froze. But Tipperary are going to be dangerous. They’re very fast, play a great style of hurling and use the ball very well.

“We expect that as we played them twice so far this year. So it’s going to be another tough one.

“It will be like the league final except maybe at an even higher intensity.”

Kilkenny have emerged from a series of hard-fought games on route to this year’s final and Hogan admits it has been a change from the lopsided clashes they played in recent seasons.

“On the scoreboard, the games have been a lot tighter at the finish. We conceded a few goals the last day, but Waterford got some great scores and that’s what we were expecting,’’ Hogan said. “We go out expecting a seriously tough battle and we’ve been getting plenty of them this year.”

Those tight matches have resulted in Hogan’s contribution from the bench being of greater importance late on.

Previously the Danesfort forward was accustomed to applying the finishing touches to huge victories but 2009 has seen him forced to aid his team in digging out the right result.

“The last day, I just had to run straight on because Henry (Shefflin) got injured. The intensity was huge the last day and it’s great to be involved around this time of the year. It’s always said to us that everyone has a fighting chance and if you don’t believe it, there’s no point in coming in.

“Everyone on the bench believes they have a chance of starting and if they don’t have a chance of starting then they genuinely believe they have a chance to come on. When you’re playing, you’re in some sort of a zone when your on the field or on the subs bench as well.”

Hogan also showered praise on Kilkenny’s talismanic forward Shefflin, who lead the team brilliantly against Waterford, with a devastating scoring display of 1-14.

“Henry had a cruciate operation less than two years ago and most people don’t come back from that at all. But his commitment and his enthusiasm never changes. The one thing that you notice when you look at Henry Shefflin is the amount that he tackles. He puts his body in, he hooks, he blocks. He chases everything. Whether he scores or not doesn’t make a difference to him. That’s why he has lasted so long and he’s hurling fantastic.”