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.