This victory gives us a chance of getting out of Munster - Cahill
By Noel Dundon
Tipperary manager Liam Cahill, despite his very evident demeanour of excitement, after his side had dethroned the All-Ireland champions Clare in their own fortress, was adamant that the victory simply leaves the rest of the season in Tipperary’s own hands.
Defeat Waterford next Sunday afternoon at FBD Semple Stadium and Tipperary will progress to the next phase of the championship, and possibly a Munster Final – lose and they will not progress.
It’s as simple as that and stirring and all as the win in Ennis was, the Ballingarry clubman was clinical enough in his assessment to recognise that this key victory just paves the way for another shot.
“We are just thrilled to be still in the hunt to be one of the three to come out of Munster,” he began.
“It was a really tough assignment coming here to the den of the All-Ireland champions and a packed house, but it made for a really exciting game.
“I am thrilled for my players for the effort they have shown and we have now given ourselves a chance to be one of the three. We get back together again now and be ready for the game with Waterford in FBD Semple Stadium.”
The major talking point at half time and again at the end of the game, was the goal fest which Tipperary enjoyed. An ace attacker in his day himself, Liam enjoyed seeing those goals flying in, especially since it was something he had highlighted with his players in the lead up to the game.
“We discussed going after a few decent goal opportunities in this game,” he revealed.
“We felt that we created a few against Cork the last day but we didn’t convert them and we got four today, but we left a few behind us too.
“It is encouraging but any team in the championship now needs to be creating two or three goals to be in the range of the scorelines required to win games in Munster. It’s as simple as that – they worked out for us today and I am really pleased about that.”
While the goals helped create the half time cushion, it didn’t take Clare too long after resumption to eat into that lead. Tipp came under enormous pressure, but they didn’t wilt. They rode the waves, soaked up the punches, and landed a few of their own en-route to seeing out the victory.
“The nine-point deficit had evaporated by the 65th minute because they really came after us and they had the momentum of the scores and the crowd right behind them,” Cahill continued.
“They were hurling really well and they were asking big questions of us in every single sector.
“But, our lads showed that they are an exceptional bunch of men who are setting out on their journey and that resilience to me is no surprise because they show that every night in training.
“The bravery of our players on the ball under pressure, compared to where these guys were – they didn’t hit it away and took the best options they could. Our decision making; our resilience and determination to stick to the plan; the work being done in the field from a coaching perspective; it is just very satisfying to see it coming together and it gives me a great sense of excitement and respect for what these lads are doing too.”
Such a big game in such a testing cauldron – is this a turning point for Tipperary hurling? Not yet. Not according to the manager.
“This shows gradual progression from this group,” he stressed, nothing more.
“We are far from being the finished article. We have a nice blend of youth and experience – the youth are still finding their way; the experienced still have it and right now it is still a case of mix and match for us.
“We will have different opposition on Sunday, and we will have to get our heads around that and get the right personnel on the field again. That’s the way it is in Munster – one big test after another and that’s the way we like it,” said Liam who had particular praise for the role John McGrath and Rhys Shelly played in the victory.