No excuses from Heffernan in defeat

By Joe Scully

Tipperary manager James Heffernan cut a disappointed figure following his sides three-point loss to Waterford in their opening fixture of the All-Ireland series on Sunday.

The Clonoulty/Rossmore clubman, however, had no complaints with the outcome and felt his side were beaten by the better side.

“We are very disappointed, but the better team won, and they probably left chances behind then too, so we can have no complaints whatsoever,” he said.

The game was played in windy conditions with Tipp having the advantage of it in the first half, but only went in at the break a point up, but for Heffernan he didn’t feel the breeze was a decisive factor.

“In the second half we felt the breeze wasn’t as strong, Waterford just out hurled us, it didn’t really have anything to do with the breeze,” Heffernan felt.

“We battled well in the second half and that’s a positive to take from the game, but look Waterford were deserved of the win simple as that.

“We created a few goal chances, throughout, but credit to Waterford they were excellent. It wasn’t a lack of effort on our part the girls gave everything as they always do, but today it just didn’t happen for us.”

A major concern for the Tipp management was the withdrawal of star midfielder Karen Kennedy with an injury not long into the second half with what looked like a calf injury.

“We are not fully sure of the extent of it just yet, but you’re probably looking at a couple of weeks at least. Hopefully nothing too serious though, and I know Karen will do all she can to get back as quick as she can,” added the Tipp manager.

Next up for Tipperary is a home fixture against Cork, and with just a week to recover and prepare, Heffernan knows it will be a tough ask for his side, but one they are used to at this stage.

“We picked up a few knocks, but we have done this a few times throughout the year at this stage, where we have to recover quickly and we just have to do it now again ahead of Cork next Sunday and what will no doubt be another tough game against a strong Cork side who will be full of confidence.”