New look Tipp would need to exceed expectations to be promoted

GAA: National Football League Division 4 Preview

By Stephen Barry

LONDON v TIPPERARY

McGovern Park, Ruislip

Sunday, 25th January

Throw-in @ 1.00pm

Referee: Eoin Morrissey (Waterford)

The first real measure of Niall Fitzgerald’s managerial reign comes on Sunday in Ruislip as Tipperary journey across the water to take on London.

The new chief has stated the National League “100% is the priority” as he bids to continue the Premier rebuild with a young team. Despite their inexperience, these players have an itch to scratch against an Exiles side which they failed to beat in their last two clashes.

A handful of the current squad were present in 2024 when Cahir Healy’s point snatched a 78th minute draw against Tipp in Ruislip. And last year at FBD Semple Stadium, Liam Gallagher’s 74th minute two-pointer handed the visitors a precious victory. On both occasions, London led for almost the entire second half, so those results were no flukes.

Last year’s Tipp team remains largely in place, with the addition of several U20 graduates. London boasts healthy player retention thanks to the stability offered by Michael Maher, who is inter-county football’s second-longest-serving manager behind Kieran McGeeney. An FBD Connacht League draw with Sligo highlights their progression.

Tipp haven’t received such a true-run contest in the McGrath Cup. A strong Blue & Gold selection demolished a scratch Limerick team in their opener. Then, a weakened side were dismantled by a powerful Cork pick four days later.

Tipp’s greater level of Sigerson Cup involvement is an encouraging sign but also underlines their dependence on youth. Ballina half-back Charlie King has played every minute and scored in both of UL’s victories to date. The David Power-managed university, who won the Division 1 League title before Christmas, also feature Daithí Hogan, Killian Butler, Jack O’Neill, James Morris, Micheál Freaney, and Paddy O’Keeffe among their ranks. They are all going to be key players for Tipp this year.

King buzzed up and down the wing like a dynamo in the second half against Limerick to score 0-3. O’Keeffe’s blend of size, acceleration, and finishing signals him as another major prospect. He was man of the match with 0-4 that day in Rathkeale.

Holycross/Ballycahill recruit Eoin Craddock also has plenty of scope to build upon a proficient display.

There’s extra competition for the number one jersey, where Shane Garland’s reputation as a former sub-keeper to Rory Beggan with his native Monaghan makes him an interesting candidate.

While the team has much potential within its ranks, Fitzgerald will need to pack as much experience as he can around them. New captain Paudie Feehan will likely lead the side from centre-back while vice-captain Steven O’Brien’s presence will be invaluable.

Up front, Seán O’Connor, another vice-captain, is only approaching his mid-20s, but with six years of inter-county football behind him, he will conduct the attack. His pre-season consistency has been a positive sign, with 0-13 from starts against Kerry, Limerick, and Cork.

That challenge against an experimental Kerry line-up at Fethard Town Park was their most valuable run-out. Darragh Brennan scored 1-3 off the bench and his return from a hamstring injury can’t come soon enough.

The years’ experience gained by Manus McFadden, O’Neill, Freaney, and Cian Smith under Philly Ryan’s tutelage should only accelerate their development this term.

At their best in pre-season, Tipp sought to exploit their pace and weren’t afraid to hit the full-forward line with early ball. Against Cork, they got choked up by a more physical opposition and played too deep in possession to offer a sustained threat. They will need more of the former against London.

Tipp haven’t enjoyed a winning campaign since promotion in 2022. Since then, their league record reads: played 21, won 3, drew 4, lost 14.

Last year, Tipp finished fifth in Division 4. At the time of writing, they are fifth favourites behind Wicklow, Antrim, Leitrim, and Carlow. Progress would be a real promotion push and outperforming those odds.