Sheedy bids an emotional farewell to his players

FORMER Tipperary senior hurling manager Liam Sheedy said a poignant farewell to his All-Ireland champions at Semple Stadium on Sunday evening.

The 2010 panel, management and backroom staff convened for an official photograph to commemorate the historic All-Ireland success on September 5.

Sheedy admitted that having the squad together for the last time was an “emotional occasion” and backed the players to claim further silverware in the next few seasons.

Sheedy, speaking on Tipp FM last night, said: “We got together last night and it was an emotional occasion. We learned so much from them and leaned on them a lot.

“It’s always tough to move to one side, you want the journey to go on forever but we have to do what’s right for ourselves, our family and for Tipperary.”

Sheedy, who shocked the hurling world last week when he resigned along with coach Eamon O’Shea and selector Michael Ryan, once again signalled his disappointment at the circulation of vicious and unfounded rumours surrounding his departure.

He said: “You can’t control rumour mills when they start. We had a wonderful three years. It is a pastime but it’s a full-time job when you instil a professional approach in an amateur game. It does take its toll. I’m fortunate to have a really good day job with Bank of Ireland on a national level and it all takes time. It’s one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make. We’re leaving with great memories and huge friendships have been moulded.”

Sheedy, who also managed the county’s minor and intermediate teams during the past decade, added: “The players rose to the challenge and what a bunch. They went into battle 36 times over the three years in competitive fare and lost just seven. They deserve all the credit. They have been huge ambassadors for this county over the last few years and thankfully, reaped good success. There’s a great mix of youth and experience and the future is bright.”

Sheedy stated that the shattering lows over the three years, most notably last year’s All-Ireland final defeat to Kilkenny and this year’s crushing reverse against Cork in Munster, helped to make the team stronger.

He said: “The old saying is that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. We became stronger as a group. There’s a close unit there. It was never a chore and it all culminated in how they performed on big days.

“The county is in a good state but none of those players can take their eye off the ball because there’s an excellent U21 team coming after them. There will be a hugely competitive environment in 2011 and in the years to come.”

Sheedy added: “In the last few weeks we’ve seen the impact it (All-Ireland) has had on everyone in Tipp. Cards have been coming in from people who left Tipp in the 60s and 70s and you see the young kids coming up and looking for jerseys to be signed. It means a lot to the county to have the cup back but the challenge is to push on in 2011. We’re all back down at the bottom of the hill and that’s where it all starts again.”