Tipperary manager remaining cautious ahead of Championship

Tipperary hurling manager Liam Sheedy may have guided the Premier county to their 19th National League success but the Portroe man, speaking afterwards, was keen to stress that Tipp's Munster championship semi-final against Cork is not far around the corner.

"We said we would take it in stages," Sheedy said.

"This is a second stage (after pre-season), then the league and now the championship.

"We'll enjoy the celebrations but we are under no illusions that there is a massive step up in terms of what we are going to meet in the championship.

"From tomorrow our championship hats are on, but it's nice to end the league with a win."

Despite some excellent individual displays, the Tipp manager was keen to praise his panel for their dedication and commitment during the winter months.

"We had some forwards that were on fire in the first half and had quiet second halves, we had some guys that didn't burn in the first half and all of a sudden took off in the second half," he said.

"Overall I would just like to complement the squad that I have. I have 34 guys and the work that they have put in since November has been exceptional.

"Their effort and application (has been immense) - it's easy for me to stand here, it is really about those 34 guys and I'm just delighted that they have got a bit of silverware."

Sheedy also praised his side for their ability to graft out the win, despite a tenacious comeback by Galway who whittled a seven-point lead down to just a brace of scores with injury time approaching.

"A victory is always sweet and a National League title _ they are hard to get _ I think that was seen out there against Galway. It was very competitive all the way through.

"I thought, midway through the second half when we went seven up, if we could kick on and get eight or nine (points) in front.

"Galway came roaring back at us and we were literally hanging on at the finish but thankfully we hung on.

"I think maybe the resolve we gained (during the league stood to us), we had tight matches in Ennis, Pearse Stadium and with 10 minutes to go against Waterford in Kilkenny. I think we have got a bit of resolve from those victories and tight situations and thankfully (we hung on)."

When Tipp and Galway met during the league's group stages, a draw was the final result and with both teams unbeaten approaching the final, Sheedy was not surprised that another titantic struggle was produced.

"It was a bit of a shoot-out. We all knew the forwards on paper coming in and again an exceptional group of lads and two very fit teams.

"If you make one mistake or if the ball breaks they just shoot into it and it is trouble.

"Finishing up - Damien Hayes went to go through, but they got a hook in and a block in - they were tigerish enough in the finish.

"Even the last ball that broke to Alan Kerins, what a block! I think it was Eamon Buckley that got his hurley in and Kevin Hynes ended up putting the ball over the bar.

"Thankfully we went up the field with the ball, we were hanging on but it's a victory and it's nice."

While Sheedy was full of praise for Drom-Inch player Seamus Butler, who gave a magnificent display, he was keen to stress that this was a team effort.

"Seamus has exceptional pace and he is very, very good...picks up some great scores at vital stages in matches and worked very, very hard. I would compliment all of our forwards.

"I think at various stages they all brought something to the party and I think overall what I am most happy about this evening is the overall team performance."

With two hands on the league silverware, Sheedy will let his players briefly enjoy the win before their championship preparations intensify.

He added: "It's only the middle of April and I'm not going to get carried away and there is no one in that dressing room that is going to get carried away.

"We have an awful lot of work to do to get ready for June but it's nice to finish with a trophy in April."

Tipperary's next competitive match is away to Cork in the Munster championship semi-final on June 8 in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

The Munster final is set for five weeks later on July 13.