Just the result to fuel Tipp, says busy Maher
A campaign that began in abject fashion when they were crushed by Cork in the Munster quarter-final has been revived on the qualifier circuit and defender Padraic Maher feels the team is gaining momentum as the year unfolds.
“It was a big win to get over Galway like that. We showed a bit of character there to stick at it until the end and get that one-point victory.
“The qualifiers can be awkward but we’re building momentum now. We played one bad game against Cork but it didn’t bother us what happened after that with the criticism.
“I think Cork wanted it more than us that day and it was a good learning point for us going forward. It’s helped to keep our feet on the ground and we’re back on track now.”
Tipperary’s victory on Sunday was characterised by an impressive attacking display where they showed signs that they are shedding their reliance on Eoin Kelly for inspiration.
Gearóid Ryan chipped in with 1-2, Seamus Callanan flashed in a crucial first-half goal and Pa Bourke created important points at the finish. Maher was delighted to see his underage colleagues sparkle.
“The new boys up in the forwards showed up well but they’ve been hurling well all year. They showed we just don’t have two or three guys, we’ve all six (in attack). Gearóid had a great game, Seamus got a cracking goal and Pa Bourke also did well. Our bench helped us a lot as well.”
Maher does not have much time to bask in the glow of this success or concentrate on the upcoming All-Ireland semi-final against Waterford.
His focus quickly shifts to tomorrow night’s Bord Gáis Energy Munster U21HC decider against Clare in Semple Stadium. Yet he is not too perturbed by the punishing schedule that himself and some of his Tipperary teammates are being forced to endure.
“In a way it’s hard three days after a senior match to be facing into an U21 final. But at this stage of the year the games are coming at you thick and fast. It’s going to be another tough one facing a very good Clare team. Waterford will be a huge challenge in senior but we don’t get much time to think about that.
“Tomorrow night is what we’re concentrating on.”
Tipperary’s management team is headed by former goalkeeping great Ken Hogan and is coached by 2001 All-Ireland winning captain Tommy Dunne. Maher believes the current batch of U21’s are responding well to being tutored by such renowned hurling figures in the county.
“It’s only a few years since we were idolising Tommy. He was captaining Tipperary to an All-Ireland in 2001 and was a top class player. All the boys in charge are top class men. Their hearts are in the right place and they love Tipperary hurling. It would be great to do it for them.”
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