Tipperary need to rediscover desire before it's too late

I’ve heard the sentiment expressed in dozens of ways over the years; motivated, up for it, ready for battle, hoppin’ off the sod, buzzing.  Whatever name you want to put on it, was not displayed by Tipperary in Limerick last Sunday. 

It is wrong to say that it was completely lacking as some players were willing to mix it but I know from experience that if even a few guys are slightly off the mark in regard to motivation, it will lead to a monumental collapse in performance throughout the team.

Yes, it was not the most orthodox selection by management on Sunday, but since winning the All-Ireland in 2016 there is one way that I describe how we have competed in championship games; we are now the hunted instead of the hunters. This can be traced back to the league final last year where we were totally out-fought by a rampant Galway team. While we have not collapsed to that level since, we seem to be constantly on the back foot with only the skill levels of our players keeping us competitive. 

People will say that our players are good enough to win silverware but this is missing the point completely. Our players are talented enough for certain but that is only the tip of the iceberg for what is needed in the white heat of championship.

 

For more, pick up a copy of this weeks Nenagh Guardian