Success gives us huge belief for Championship - Kennedy
Tipperary captain and player of the match Karen Kennedy was ecstatic after the final whistle, as her side ended twenty years of hurt to win a first National League title since 2004.
By Joe Scully
“Yeah, were delighted,” she admitted.
“It’s a huge privilege to be part of what is an amazing group, so I’m delighted we got our reward and getting that league title.
“We didn’t make it easy for ourselves, but we showed great character to come back and get the win.”
The Thurles Sarsfields club-woman was delighted to get over the line at the end after her side got the rub of the green when Carrie Dolan missed her last gasp free.
“I suppose we kind of left it out of our own hands at the end,” she added.
“I was full sure she (Dolan) was going to put it over because she is usually deadly accurate, but conditions were tough at the end, so I suppose we just got the rub of the green today and were delighted to get out the right side of it.”
Kennedy was happy with her own performance, despite being an injury doubt in advance of the game, and the fact she was able to contribute for her side with 1-3 from centre and full forward.
“I’m still trying to get use to the forwards,” she admitted.
“I’m still trying to get use to the position and whereabouts on the field. I was just in the forward position today, but other people will contribute on other days, so just delighted to contribute today.
“My goal it was just being in the right position at the right time, but it’s everyone else who creates it for you, so just finishing it off was just the main thing.”
The Tipperary skipper added there was never any panic, even when Galway raced into a six-point lead in the opening half.
“We obviously let Galway get a huge run on us, but never panicked as we knew any of the top teams were capable of hitting a purple patch in matches, so it’s how you respond,” she said.
“We knew they were going to have their part to play in the game, and it was about getting to grips with that and just getting into the process of how we play and how we know how to play.
“We responded well; it took us about twenty minutes to get to grips with them, but once we did, we responded and played how I know we can and just delighted we were able to come back and win.”
Kennedy is also hoping that beating one of the top teams in a big game such as this will give Tipperary the belief to now kick-on and challenge for All Ireland honours.
“I think it gives huge belief going into a championship, knowing we can compete at the highest level now,” she admitted.
“I suppose we had the Munster championship, and now building on it with this league title here today shows that were right up there with the top teams and now we can really compete and can hopefully bring that momentum into the championship and can drive on from there.”