Year on the line as Tipperary must lay siege to Ennis

By Shane Brophy

Despite the largely overwhelming popularity of the round-robin system in the early stages of the provincial hurling championships, there are some that still yearn for the old days of the straight knockout format.

Well, this Saturday evening in Ennis, they’ll get their wish in the third round as for one of Clare or Tipperary, their quest to progress into the All-Ireland Series could be all but over with a game to spare.

It brings back memories of some of the epic knockout games between the counties in the 1990’s in Pairc Ui Chaoimh, as well as under 21 games when Tipperary went to Ennis but came away with victories.

In terms of this senior campaign, there is a scenario where the loser of this game could still make it into the top three by winning their final game, however, they would need favours from other teams, which would be very much out of their control.

There is pressure on both sides, particularly Clare, the defending All-Ireland champions, who bar a second half spell in the opening round against Cork, have been largely off colour. With their final match against a rejuvenated looking Limerick side, Clare’s best chance of getting a win to leap-frog Waterford would be against Tipperary.

Across the tunnel in the Tipperary dressing room, they know a defeat is all but curtains for the qualification hopes, as even with a final round win over Waterford, Clare would have the head-to-head advantage, plus even if it ended in a three-way tie with one of the other teams, Tipp’s score difference is very weak off the back of the fifteen point defeat to Cork in the last round.

A draw wouldn’t be the worst result in the world for Tipperary, with their final game at home to Waterford, although they would then be left playing a waiting game as they have the bye on the final weekend when Waterford travel to Cork and Limerick host Clare.