Premier senior stars likely to keep the party going

THE contentious choice of venue for tonight’s All-Ireland U21 decider has dominated the headlines this week but irrespective of where this game was played, Tipperary were always likely to be installed as strong favourites.

It’s rare for a county U21 hurling side to contain so many senior stars and rarer still for them to contest a final just six days after six of them were involved in a stirring All-Ireland senior triumph. A quick glance at the spine of the Tipperary team illustrates their strength. Padraic Maher and Brendan Maher anchor the defence, Noel McGrath directs play from midfield and Patrick Maher leads the line from centre-forward.

Yet power bases of this Tipperary U21 side are not just restricted to their senior starters. Arguably their best players at U21 level this season have been the non-marquee figures with the full-forward line of John O’Dwyer, Brian O’Meara and Michael Heffernan in exceptional form. Throw in a vociferous home crowd backing them, the feel-good factor derived from last Sunday’s senior victory and an astute management combo of Tommy Dunne and Ken Hogan, and it’s clear that Tipperary have plenty going for them.

Do Galway have a chance? Certainly. Anthony Cunningham has shielded his players from the farrago over the venue and they’ve gone about their preparations quietly and diligently. Heading to Thurles tonight will have developed a siege mentality in their squad and they displayed a resilient streak in defeating Dublin in the semi-final.

Their side is not crammed with stars but they are hard-working and efficient. David Burke is a quality centre-back, while behind him Paul Gordon will contest the aerial battles vigorously with O’Meara. In attack Eoin Forde, Niall Quinn and Richie Cummins have the potential to cut loose and Bernard Burke is a valuable weapon to hold in reserve.

But claiming honours is going to be difficult. What has been noticeable in Tipperary’s performances this season is that at different stages of games, different players come to the fore and lead the way. In the first-half of the Munster semi-final against Cork Heffernan shone, Seamus Hennessy took control in the second-half and extra-time was all about Noel McGrath’s prowess.

In the provincial decider against Clare, O’Dwyer and Sean Carey were to the fore early on, O’Meara and Padraic Maher were outstanding in the middle third and Paddy Murphy dominated the last 10 minutes. That array of options should ensure they ultimately edge out Galway here.

Verdict: Tipperary