Some of our hurling was as good as we’ve ever played - Sheedy

By Shane Brophy

You could sense an air of relief from Tipperary manager Liam Sheedy following Sunday’s Munster semi-final win over Clare.

With the return to the knockout/back door format for the second straight year, the pressure was on to get off to a winning start and Tipperary did just that with a strong second half performance.

“Just delighted to be over the line, back in a Munster final,” Sheedy admitted.

“We knew Clare were going to be a formidable challenge. In fairness to them, they were out of the blocks like a rocket, hit us for 1-7 and a six-point cushion, but I thought the reaction our lads showed to get back in the game was very very strong.

“Then they got the goal just before half-time, again a point down and they playing with all the breeze. The character of the dressing-room was going to be tested in that second half. I just couldn’t be more pleased with the reaction we got from the group. Some of our hurling I thought was as good as we’ve ever played.

“The bench came in and really delivered. Look we were probably sucking for air in the last ten or fifteen minutes, Clare came back and got on top again and pushed us tight. But overall a good performance. We knew Clare were going to be formidable opposition and we’re just delighted to be over the line.

“Overall, I thought we managed the game well and structured ourselves well at times. Maybe we gave them a bit of space in the first half, but I felt it was a little easier playing in with the ball holding up, whereas in the first half it was going away from you. We got more fruit from the ball going in in the second half.”

3-23 was an impressive total and it could have been more but for thirteen wides and three superb saved by the Clare keeper, but it was Tipperary’s workrate and attitude which pleased the manager the most.

“Our team-work was slick today, I thought we moved the ball well,” he added.

“The forwards’ workrate in that second-half was something I was really, really proud of. It sort of gives the backs a breath of air when they’re really pushing hard.

“Some of our tackling up front in the second-half was as good as we’ve had in a while. That’s very pleasing. But I’d have to compliment the overall panel. When you’re coming into a match, you’re coming into the unknown. The lads that played today were fully tested in the last three weeks and that was important.”

It was hard to get away from the big talking point from the game, the penalty decision which went in Tipperary’s favour with Sheedy being as diplomatic as he could with his response.

“With the new rule inside the 21 is the danger-zone; if you’re at risk…it’s a fine area,” he said.

“I know there’s going to be a lot of arguments as to whether it should be or shouldn’t be, was there another player back, was there not?

“Look we got the break today, we got the penalty and no better man than Jason Forde to stand up and put it in the back of the net.

“In fairness, I think the referees over the weekend have done a fine job overall in officiating matches. This game is moving at pace, it’s not an easy thing to do. And there’s great credit due to anyone who steps out into the middle of it.”

There were some notable performances all over the field, from Cathal Barrett who kept Tony Kelly to just 1-1 from play, while captain Seamus Callanan contributed the same, but his overall contribution as a ball-winner and provider was immense.

“In fairness to Seamus, he has had a really tough preparation. He couldn’t feature in the league, couldn’t train for long periods. It’s probably a great testament to the man that he stayed at it.“He only featured for his first game against Westmeath — so he only had Westmeath and Waterford, and he was out there playing championship today. So, what you’re seeing is Seamie finding his feet, finding his pace, but I just thought his energy on the pitch was a real captain’s part. I’m thrilled for him because he’s a great guy. He’s doing this for a long time in this jersey, and he led the line and led the team today.”

While it wasn’t a perfect performance the win was all that mattered for Liam Sheedy as their attention turns to a Munster Final with Limerick.

“The only thing we wanted at half five this evening was to qualify for the Munster final. We see the dangers that lie in the other side of the draw, so it was about a Munster final and qualify for the All-Ireland series. That was the focus today,” he said.