Power aiming to strong start to league campaign

 

By Michael Dundon

 

“There are no gimmies in this division” is what Tipperary senior football manager David Power observes as he finalises preparation for the visit of Down to Clonmel on Sunday for the opening game in division three of the National Football League.

Tipperary were relegated from division two last term and if they are to regain the higher status they will have to deal with Down, Louth, Derry, Cork, Longford, Offaly and Leitrim in the upcoming campaign, a tall order certainly with Cork and Down probably fancied to top the group at this stage, but a challenge that David Power is confident Tipperary are capable of surmounting.

The journey begins with Michael Power’s hand weakened by the absence of such players as Michael Quinlivan, Liam McGrath, Liam Casey and Josh Keane, key members of the Tipperary set-up which enjoyed a great run under the management of Liam Kearns, but who are now taking time out to travel.

On the positive side Philip Austin is coming back after injury though new captain Conor Sweeney is nursing an injured hand at the moment which leaves him doubtful for the visit of Down.

So how does the Kilsheelan-Kilcash man, who famously steered Tipperary to All-Ireland minor success in 2011 and subsequently managed the county’s under 21 side in 2018 following a spell at the helm in Wexford, view the upcoming campaign.

“We are targetting three homes wins, beginning with Sunday’s clash against Down,” he began.

 

To read more, pick up a copy of this weeks Nenagh Guardian locally or subscribe to our e-paper to access it online each Wednesday.