Rebels must hit new heights, claims Fraggie
That’s the verdict of Kieran ‘Fraggie’ Murphy, although it goes without saying that the hard-working Sarsfields team captain doesn’t use the term “wiping the floor” when referring to the success against the Premier.
That is exactly what the Rebels did though, having been written off in most quarters prior to the outing, following a poor showing in the league final. Very few pundits are giving them much of a chance of derailing Kilkenny en route to an historic fifth All-Ireland in a row either and Murphy says that even a repeat of that display in Thurles will not be sufficient.
“It will take more” he insists. “It will take every fella to up it again if we’re to progress now in the championship.
“We’re down to the best four in the country and we find ourselves in that position. It’s certainly an exciting prospect to be playing the champions because if you want to win things, you have to beat the best and that’s the challenge ahead of us this Sunday.
“Playing Kilkenny, four times All-Ireland champions, it’s a big task ahead for us but that’s why we get into sport I suppose. What we wanted to do was set ourselves big challenges at the start of the year and we have a huge one this Sunday. But that’s what it’s all about.”
Being almost unconsidered doesn’t concern Murphy, or his team-mates he says, and he points to numerous examples of the favourites tag failing to ensure a result for teams.
“Every person’s entitled to their opinion. People were entitled to their opinion before the Tipp game and it was the same before the Munster final as well.
“We saw it last weekend with Kerry and Tyrone. They were the favourites going into those games, that’s the nature of sport. When you’re the favourites, you’re there to be beaten. It’s the same when you’re champions.
“When the ball’s thrown in for the semi-final on Sunday, the favourites tag won’t count for much. It’s all about who performs best and is better prepared, who’s mentally right coming into it. The better team will win.”
And the Sarsfields man doesn’t have to look too far for reasons to bolster his optimism that it will be the Rebels taking on Waterford or Tipperary in a duel to the death for the Liam MacCarthy Cup.
“If you just look at the quality within the panel, the players that we have in the starting 15 and on the bench, there’s fierce quality right throughout.
“We know what we’re capable of. We have confidence in ourselves as individuals and as a team, so there’s huge reasons for confidence and reasons to be optimistic going into Sunday.”
Another boost is having Denis Walsh as manager.
“Denis has been fantastic for the group. He has freshened things up and brought a new emphasis to the team. He’s been excellent.
“He’s rediscovered guys’ form and confidence, and has been hugely beneficial and positive within the group. We’re certainly delighted to have him.”
