Tipp undaunted by Kingdom trip

AS CHAMPIONSHIP draws go, the one facing Tipperary footballers this summer is as forbidding as possible. After a spectacular rate of progress in the past two seasons under John Evans, hopes of provincial glory in 2010 have been dented by the fact that Tipperary are paired with All-Ireland champions Kerry in their Munster opener, with defeated finalists Cork awaiting the winners.

Tomorrow Tipp head to Fitzgerald Stadium for a McGrath Cup dress rehearsal ahead of their date with the Kingdom on May 16, yet they are not daunted by the prospects ahead.

“We’re looking forward to the experience now,” insisted Tipperary selector John Cummins. “Heading down to Killarney to face the All-Ireland champions is a great thing to be preparing for. We had two good wins over UL and LIT last weekend. It was fairly hectic playing two games in 24 hours and you could see the effects, with lads suffering from cramp near the end on Sunday. We passed those tests but we’re going up another 10 notches up the richter scale. Kerry had seven or eight of their first team against Waterford last Sunday, and they have serious talent. But it’s the sort of challenge we want and you can’t buy the experience we’ll get.”