Stagnant progression provides plenty for Kearns to ponder

Tipperary manager Liam Kearns admitted the progress of his side in 2018 has stagnated after they exited the senior football championship at the second round qualifier stage last Saturday.

In the three years Kearns has been in charge, it has been the earliest Tipp have been eliminated from the championship after reaching a Munster final and an All Ireland semi-final in 2016, before reaching the third round of the qualifiers last year.

At the start of the year, Kearns suggested this year would indicate whether his side have plateaued or progressed and despite retaining their division 2 league status, their championship campaign hasn’t been what they would have hoped it would be.

“Our progress at championship level is stagnant,” Kearns admitted.

“Not withstanding we have met two traditionally strong teams in Cork and Mayo, Mayo being one of the best teams in the country but for us, we stagnated in the championship. We made the last 16 last year, we didn't make the last 16 this year.

“Mayo have knocked us out. For us that means we have stagnated as regards championship and is the first time in three years that we haven't progressed for me."

 

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