Heffernan pleased with work-rate in Limerick win

By Joe Scully

It was a happy James Heffernan in the aftermath of Tipperary’s win over Limerick in the Munster Senior Camogie semi-final on Sunday.

“Limerick brought a big challenge,” he began.

“We hadn’t much time to do a lot of prep on them, especially with only having a seven day turnaround from the Cork game. You are kind of focusing on recovery and then getting yourself right.

“Limerick were very physical, and there was only six points in it at the break, so it was a tough game for us.

“But I am very happy with how we hurled, we moved the ball well, and anytime you get 25 points when you go out to hurl is good shooting.”

One of the most pleasing aspects of the performance was the work-rate, a part of the game they are really trying to work on and is a vital part of the plan.

“Yeah, the girls are really working hard,” Heffernan continued.

“That’s something we’re really kind of going after, and the girls know they have to hard because we have subs ready to come in.

“The plan is to work hard and if your energy levels drop or you get tired, we will try and bring in fresh legs, and the girls are really buying into that and really working hard, so I can’t really ask for too much more from them.”

With a Munster final now to look forward too, the Clonoulty/Rossmore clubman feels it will be a massive occasion.

“The Munster final will be a big occasion, and again it will be a curtain-raiser to a Munster Championship game on either the 16th or 17th of May,” Heffernan added.

“So, we have three weeks to prepare for the game, and whoever we meet be it Waterford or Kerry, it will be a big thing for any of the three of us, to win a Munster final, and we will be excepting a tough fixture regardless of who our opponents will be on the day.”

There are a couple of injury concerns ahead of the final with Isobel O’Donnell and Celine Guinan doubtful.

“We are hopeful Celine won’t be too long, hopefully in the next few weeks, but not sure if she will make a Munster final,” Heffernan revealed

“But Isobel is probably more long term and is very unlikely to be back for the Munster final, we’re waiting results on a scan for her.

“At the moment it’s only just those two out, but we will assess the squad after today’s game and see where we are, and look you’re always likely to pick up he odd knock in training, but for now were in a good place injury wise.”