Hard work finally pays off for manager Ryan

By Joe Scully

Tipperary manager John Ryan was absolutely delighted after his side clinched the All-Ireland Minor ‘A’ Championship on Saturday following their five-point victory over Waterford.

Ryan was proud of his team for the journey they have been on over the last four years, and their reaction to the hurt that they suffered over the last two years as a squad.

“It’s been a two year journey, and as Sarah (Corcoran) here will testify, it’s probably been more like a four year journey,” he admitted.

“We were beaten in the Munster Final and the All-Ireland final back at under 16 level two years ago, and last year wasn’t one of our better years, as we struggled, but to see it all come to fruition this year no and getting all those wins, and the win here today, it’s vital for Tipperary camogie going forward, but it’s just a great day for us.”

Despite the fact his side went scoreless for over eighteen minutes in the first half after their blistering start to the game, the Slieve Felim Rapparees clubman never doubted his players ability to get the job done and had full belief in his team.

“I never doubted for one second,” he added.

“We got a great start, the girls took their scores well, but Waterford were always going to come back, they were always going to make a few changes, they were going to switch things up and they did they started coming back at us and scored three unanswered points before the break.

“But we always knew what was in the girls, because what was coming out in training all year came out in the field today”.

Ryan was delighted with his sides defensive performance as Tipp’s rearguard played a major role in the victory as they kept a very dangerous Waterford attack under wraps throughout putting them under pressure at all times and any score they did get was very hard earned.

“How good our defence was today was no surprise to us,” Ryan added.

“We have had that starting six all year and they have giving very little away. They have been a tight composed, hard-working unit back there and I’m not surprised in the slightest that we held up Waterford.”