'If I want to be annoying, I'll be annoying': Rhys Shelly has no intention of changing his ways

Tipperary GAA and Fiserv have launched their new jersey for the upcoming 2026 season. The front of jersey will now feature Clover – the world's smartest point-of-sale system under parent company Fiserv. At the launch in FBD Semple Stadium were senior hurlers Willie Connors and Rhys Shelly, senior hurling manager Liam Cahill, and men’s senior footballer Mark Stokes. Pic: James Crombie/Inpho

Growing up, Rhys Shelly was inspired by Anthony Nash’s puck-outs and Eoin Murphy’s shot-stopping. 

As for his vocal style between the sticks, that’s just him.

He’s never been a big man for studying other goalkeepers, although he didn’t have to look too far for encouragement. His long puck-outs are attributed to his mother, Mary, soaking sliotars in water overnight for extra weight.

Shelly has yet to begin a championship campaign as Tipperary’s first-choice number one. Instead, he has twice taken over mid-season. 

Now, with an All-Ireland to his name, chances are that Shelly will be named as All-Star goalkeeper by the end of next week.

He has a reputation for long-range points and penalty saves, both of which were exhibited in the All-Ireland triumph over Cork. 

He’s also aware of his reputation for winding up forwards.

“I won't hide away from it. People still come at me for my antics in the goal, being loud, being vocal,” Shelly says.

“People get a bit upset for telling them to ‘watch the post’ and ‘don't mishit it’. I don't think it's anything offensive, to be honest.

“I don't care. If I want to be annoying, I'll be annoying. I'm not abusing anyone personally, I'm just trying to get in people's heads is all, and people don't like that.

“I'm not really bothered by what other people think of me, so I just go with the flow and do my own thing.

“I'm not going to change my ways just because someone doesn't like me for it.” 

Before his highlight-reel moments to close out the All-Ireland, there was a run-in with Patrick Horgan after Cork’s goal on the stroke of half-time.

Tipperary goalkeeper Rhys Shelly after his side's victory in the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship final. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Shelly explains: “He came in jeering at me or whatever. He went to run across me, so I just caught him up. I didn't even say anything, I just caught him up to start a bit of a row and be a distraction. Things got a bit heated there. Nothing too serious anyway.” 

Whether it had any small role in sparking the second-half turnaround, Shelly isn’t too sure. 

He felt Tipp were already playing the better hurling in the first half and merited far more than a six-point deficit.

What followed was close to perfection, culminating in an emotional embrace with his mother in the Hogan Stand after the final whistle.

“For a woman who I'm not sure ever played, she was so invested in it and always had us out pucking,” Shelly recalls.

“My mother used to steep balls in water overnight when I was a young lad and have me out pucking them the next day because it'd be so heavy. So when it comes to the (match) ball then, it'd be a lot lighter.

“My mother has had a huge part to play. It probably wasn't easy because when I got to my teens, I was struggling with disciplinary things, especially with the club. But she's always been there for me, always been my biggest supporter. I wouldn't be where I am without her.

“We had a pretty tough year at home. My mother actually had a stroke at the start of the year, so she had a few health issues herself. Then her own mother (Margaret) passed away the week of the Clare game, which was also the week that I got my first start this year.

“So that moment (after the All-Ireland) meant a lot to me. It's definitely a moment I won't ever forget. Being able to do that, especially with the grandmother looking down, it was definitely all worth it.” 

With the team holiday to Cape Town on the horizon, Shelly has gone back running ahead of pre-season. His aim is to start the championship in the goalkeeper’s jersey, but he knows there’s plenty of competition with Barry Hogan for that role.

Whereas outfield players can fight for multiple positions, there’s only one vacancy available here. Both contenders must push each other on as well as make their own case.

When reflecting on how he ended up as sub-keeper last year, Shelly was left asking searching questions of himself.

“I probably didn't put as much effort as I probably should have put into it,” he says.

“In 2023, my first year, I thought I was very fit. In 2024, I noticed that I was a small bit heavier and a small bit unfit. I know for a goalie, it's probably not massive, but even as a mental thing, you're always conscious of it.

“So going into last year, a big thing for me was to try and get fit again and stay in good shape.

“It's hard. You’re going all year round. It's a mental thing if anything, just to stay going and keep yourself in that mindset for next year.

“A big driver for me going is to try and lock down that jersey, but it's going to be a constant battle again. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”