Kelly happy Tipp won’t be facing Ó hAilpín

EOIN KELLY believes Tipperary’s bid to overcome Cork in this month’s Munster SHC opener may have been eased because Cork will miss Seán Óg Ó hAilpín’s experience.

It means that for the first time in seven championship clashes against Cork, Kelly won’t be coming up against the Na Piarsaigh man.

“I think Seán Óg’s experience alone will be a loss to Cork,” says the All-Ireland winning captain. “I always found playing against him that he was a very, very smart player. He was never fazed. And he was always looking out for other guys, especially younger fellas.