Tipp not complacent, insists Nugent

Tipperary will return to training this evening after a clear-the-air meeting in a Limerick hotel following their exit from the Munster championship.

With a return to action in a July 6 qualifier, Eamon O’Shea is keen to get the loss to Limerick out of their systems as soon as possible.

County chairman Sean Nugent revealed they spoke extensively about the defeat at their post-match meal and dismissed suggestions the team were complacent going into the game.

Said Nugent: “Obviously there was disappointment over losing the game. We were favourites but I don’t think we were complacent about it whatsoever. We knew we would face a serious challenge.

“They had a talk – management and the team got together and they came out of that with a firm resolve to move on from that disappointment and pick up the pieces.

“We have a very united panel and they made the resolve to take on the challenge of the qualifiers.”

Speaking to Tipperary FM, Brendan Cummins admits the next few weeks will determine what Tipp are made of.

The goalkeeper, who made his 72nd championship appearance at the Gaelic Grounds, acknowledged Limerick “battled that bit harder.”

“We knew damn well what Limerick were going to do and fair play to them, they got a deserved win in the finish.

“We didn’t get into the game early on and Limerick proved they’re fine hurlers. We knew that everybody was writing them off and they were lapping up that kind of talk. They showed it out on the pitch.”

Cummins paid tribute to his opposite number Nickie Quaid – who made brilliant saves from Seamus Callanan and Pa Bourke in the first half.

The 38-year-old said: “You need a few breaks along the line and Nickie Quaid is a serious goalie too. ”

Tipperary face into the All-Ireland qualifiers for the first time in three years and Cummins admitted: “In the coming weeks we’ll see exactly what we’re made of.

“Limerick were fantastic – they fought for every ball and there was a real intensity about it. At the end of the game, you saw how much it meant to the people of Limerick but we’ve got to pick ourselves up and it’s about Tipperary from here on. Credit to Limerick but we’ll dust ourselves down and get going again.”

It has also been confirmed that midfielder Brendan Maher suffered a dead leg in the closing stages against Limerick, an injury that forced his withdrawal with three minutes of normal time remaining.