Room to improve, admits cautious Ryan

Tipperary manager Declan Ryan was frank after yesterday’s game, admitting his side hadn’t “played as well as we could have” in the first half.

“We would have been very happy going in at half-time level. I don’t think we played as well as we could have in the first half. The guys battled well and we were delighted to go in level at half-time.

“We finished very strongly and that’s always pleasing. We’ve done that in the last couple of games. We can be very happy with our finish anyway.”

Asked about Lar Corbett, Ryan spread the focus to the other tasty forwards he’d sprung from the bench.

“He (Lar) ghosts around the place there and he got on to some lovely ball. He uses it very well. I suppose he could have taken a couple of his own scores there but that’s him, he’s always been a team player.

“That might be something we work on in training — his shooting.

“When you’re able to bring on the likes of Eoin Kelly, Shane Bourke, Seamie Callanan and these guys you’re always going to be dangerous up front if you can get enough good ball in around that area.

“I’m delighted for Shane Bourke the way he netted one. I think Eoin steadied us down there when the game was in the balance. I’m just delighted at the way our guys finished out the game and we can be very positive going into the All Ireland semi-final. We have a good bit to work on at the same time.”

Ryan also paid tribute to the contribution made at the other end of the field: “Our full-back line probably got a bit of criticism the last day. We have a very solid half-back line but our full-back line took a bit of criticism after the last game. They’ve worked very hard on their game in the meantime and I’m delighted with the way they all played today. Brendan (Cummins) was crucial today. At vital times, he made those saves. If Waterford had got the couple of goals that he saved, it might have been a different result.”

Ryan said his side had gone for goals when points were on but didn’t see that as a failing.

“Certainly there were opportunities there where we could have taken a couple of handy points and we went for goals. But these guys are hungry for goals and I would never give out to anyone for going for goal. I think it’s a good trait in a forward to be going for a green one.”

Tipperary now have a lengthy break to a possible semi-final meeting with Kilkenny.

“We turned up last year after winning the Munster final and we weren’t at our best in the semi-final. We’ll have our share of club activity now and that will take the focus for a week or two. Then we’ll come back and we’ll knuckle down for the semi-final.

“I think our focus at the start of each half could improve a little bit. Our work-rate could always improve.

“These guys are fit enough but they could improve their work-rate. There’s plenty to work on.

“We’ll sit down and watch the video and take it from there.”