It’s Tipp, but here’s hoping for a rip-roaring contest

THERE have been many games we’ve looked forward to with real anticipation this year, but sadly few have lived up to expectations.

This pairing is another match-up which should set the heart racing and the mouth salivating, but are we again set up for disappointment?

Hopefully not.

These two have been involved in two of hurling’s biggest let-downs this season – Tipperary’s tame exit to Cork in the first round of the Munster championship and then Galway’s defeat to Kilkenny in the Leinster decider.

Tipperary have had two chances at atonement since, and made the most of both with qualifier wins over Wexford and Offaly.

Galway, haven’t had that same opportunity, tomorrow being their first outing since the Kilkenny loss. Read any preview you like this weekend and that one very salient fact will feature prominently, and for good reason.

While Galway had a real battle to get past both Wexford and Offaly (after a replay) in Leinster, Tipperary dealt very comfortably with both in the qualifiers. In the first place, that’s a decent recent form guide; in the second, it means Tipperary have taken advantage of the chance to rebuild shattered confidence.

Galway have had no such opportunity.

Manager John McIntyre has taken the opportunity to ring the changes, and unsurprisingly, given how poorly they fared against the Kilkenny defence has made two changes up front with Eanna Ryan and Cyril Donnellan replacing Aidan Harte and Aongus Callanan. David Burke returns to midfield after suspension which is also a boost to the Tribesmen. Will it be enough? We’ll know tomorrow evening; let us pray for a rip-roaring contest.

- Verdict: Tipperary