All-Ireland champions Tipperary must embrace being targetted, says Darragh Stakelum

“People outside of Tipperary probably see us as the hunted but ourselves, in our own minds, there are plenty of teams out there who are just as good," he insisted.

HUNTERS NOW THE HUNTED: Cork's Tim O'Mahony hunted down by Tipperary's Darragh Stakelum. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile.

Starting with Galway on Saturday, Tipperary know there will be targets on their backs and Darragh Stakelum says they have to accept they will be chased.

“People outside of Tipperary probably see us as the hunted but ourselves, in our own minds, there are plenty of teams out there who are just as good, and as we had that element of luck to get over the line.

“There is a small mentality shift where you do have to recognise that people will be targeting you. But as a group of players we just have to embrace that and take it on our shoulders and hurl with as much freedom as possible going into the new season.”

The battle for places in the Tipperary panel never mind the team, as evidenced by the numerous changes last year, should keep them in good fettle, says Stakelum.

“The starting 15 was not settled from game one of the league right through to the All-Ireland final. It was fierce competitive and it remains competitive coming into 2026.

“Different days, different types of players might suit different games. There are no egos in the squad. Everyone just accepts their role, which is probably what helped us last year and will help us in 2026.”

Manager Liam Cahill is known to pick on form, and the players buy into that approach because they will get a fair shake, according to Stakelum.

After the difficulties of 2024, the group were thrilled for him last season.

“Liam easily could have walked away from a sinking ship, but he stood by his guns and really stood up when I’d say no person in the country wanted the job.

“He stood by us and you’d do anything for him in a way like that. The players would go through a brick wall for him, so we're very grateful for him. He's a great man, as everyone in Tipperary knows, and in the wider country.”

Stakelum came on for his brother Conor in last July’s All-Ireland final, just as their father Conor did in the 1991 final win over Kilkenny.

“It was special enough. That stage of the game – when the switch was made – was probably the most enjoyable 10 minutes of hurling you will have in your life. There was no pressure. I was very lucky to get on the field when you look at the quality of player who were left on the bench as well.”

Sister Caoimhe is expected to have a big year for Tipperary’s senior camogie side and after last year father Conor was a chuffed man.

“He was very proud for myself and my brother as was the rest of my family, and my siblings. It was a huge occasion for them. He was just thrilled as a Tipperary man that Tipp got over the line.”

As easy as it was to turn the car to study in UCC last September, Stakelum is grateful for his Fitzgibbon Cup pursuits there and gleaning wisdom from rival county players.

“The quality of players is very high. I noticed that from the start. In my first year I had Brian Hayes and Shane Barrett either side of me. You learn a lot from them. It helps you bridge that gap up to senior standard.

“You would nearly feel out of your depth beside them even in terms of their physical conditioning. It would take a few years to get up to that level of physical conditioning but you would learn absolutely from them.

"Even the way they play the game. There were plenty more, too, the Downeys etc, who were great to have around you.”