Late return won't be an excuse for Tipp - Sheedy

 

By Michael Dundon

 

All-Ireland senior hurling champions Tipperary need to find another gear this year, and that is what they are aiming for, according to manager Liam Sheedy as his side eyes up a mouth-watering opener to the National Hurling League against last year’s winners and Munster champions Limerick at Semple Stadium on Saturday evening.

Tipperary are not as advanced in their preparations for the 2020 campaign because of last year’s All-Ireland win and its aftermath, including the recent team holiday.

“The lads enjoyed the last few months,” Sheedy said.

“They had a holiday, a great trip, but we are back in training and had a run-out (against Wexford). They’re up for it and looking forward to 2020”, says Liam.

“We will have some new faces. We have a strong panel from last year and you have the under 20 boys coming through, some great talent. It is a big step up for them but we have seen from last year that they are well up for it.”

The manager views the league as the second most prestigious competition and insists that Tipperary will take the competition seriously.

“Though we are not as advanced in preparations as others, we have a good squad and we want to make sure that whoever is given a jersey is fully tested,” he stressed.

“We want to find a few more new players and Limerick are the benchmark to measure ourselves against and find out where we are right now. They are the league and Munster champions and some would say they are the best team in the country.”

 

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