‘It’s really exciting for all of us heading back up’ – Maher relishing Croke Park return

BACK TO HQ: Tipperary's Ronan Maher signs autographs after the game. Pic: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

They had their own business to take care of. For Tipperary, matters in Croke Park could wait. To secure their first date in HQ since 2019, they first had to overcome Galway.

Outside of the Tipperary dressing room afterwards, their players started to learn about the seismic shock that had just taken place in the other quarter-final. Dublin’s win over Limerick meant they would face old rivals Kilkenny in the semi-final.

“I wasn’t looking at it at all,” said Ronan Maher. “Just concentrating on my own game. You try to get right inside the dressing room. I only heard it when I came back in and walked into the dressing room.” 

That was a theme. Man of the Match Andrew Ormond only heard during his post-match interview. Manager Liam Cahill was content that ‘they’re all big boys’ and can manage their game preparation themselves. There was no need to ban mobile phones or anything like that.

It was against Galway in their opening league game that Cahill called for the Premier supporters to get behind his side. Saturday was the latest example that they have done so. Not even the threat of sprinklers turning on, which the Gaelic Grounds announcer warned repeatedly, could force them off the field after their pitch invasion. They took deserved time to soak it in.

“In fairness to the Tipp supporters, they have been getting behind us the whole way through the Munster Championship and onto the quarter-final, which is brilliant to see. It is a great lift for us on the field. They are the extra man. Long may it continue.” 

Maher is one of ten All-Ireland winners still in the Tipperary panel. The likes of Jake Morris, the McGraths, Willie Connors and Jason Forde will all be invaluable mentors over the next two weeks. They haven’t played Kilkenny in championship since the 2019 triumph. For that experienced crop, it is good to be back.

“It is a new team. It is really exciting for all of us heading back up the M7. That is the aim at the start of the year and we’re there now,” he said.

“It is going to be very exciting for everyone involved. They are a great bunch of lads there and a lot of work has gone in. We’re looking forward to going up.”