West reawakes: Tipp greats English and Fox delight at division's revival

Tipperary greats Pat Fox and Nicky English welcome green shoots of renaissance in West Tipp hurling

WESTERN STARS: Nicky English and Pat Fox of Tipperary flank Galway's Conor Hayes in the 1989 All-Ireland hurling semi-final Pic: Billy Stickland, Inpho

Last year, it seemed West Tipperary hurling had hit a nadir when no senior final took place for the first time in living memory.

There was no opposition for Clonoulty-Rossmore, winners of the eight previous divisional senior titles. It had been hoped a combination of lower-grade clubs in the region would come together to form a team, but there was no interest.