2027 Tipperary dominos starting to fall

By Shane Brophy

The 2026 inter-county hurling season will come to a culmination on Sunday with the All-Ireland senior final between Galway and Limerick but already the pieces are being put in place in terms of Tipperary’s response in 2027.

Off the back of David Herity departing the Tipperary senior coaching set-up after being involved for the last three seasons to join his native Kilkenny under new senior manager Henry Shefflin, came the confirmation on Tuesday that Brendan Cummins has stepped down as Tipperary under 20 hurling manager.

The former All-Star goalkeeper had been in charge for the last five years in which time he guided them to All-Ireland glory in 2025 and two Munster titles in 2024 & 2025. They were only denied a provincial three-in-a-row this year following a penalty shoot-out defeat to Clare in May, with the Banner ultimately progressing to beat Galway in the All-Ireland decider.

Tipperary contested two of the last three All-Ireland under-20 deciders – losing to Offaly in 2024 before beating Kilkenny in 2025. In Cummin’s, five years in charge, Tipp reached four Munster finals, winning two.

However, Cummins has decided the time is right to step aside in an interview in the Irish Times saying: “It has been an honour to work with so many wonderful players over the last five years,” said the Ballybacon/Grange clubman who has been linked with the vacant Waterford senior hurling manager’s position.

“There is so much potential within this group of players and it has been a privilege to be involved with them, but I think the time is right to hand the baton on.

“I have been very fortunate to have great people with me on the management team during my time in charge and I’d also like to thank the county board for their support over the five years.”

Tipperary County Board will now begin the search for a new under 20 manager and immediate thoughts would turn to James Woodlock who has been minor manager for the last seven seasons, winning two All-Irelands and 3 Munster titles in that time.

The Drom & Inch clubman had been linked with joining the senior backroom team under Liam Cahill, with Holycross/Ballycahill clubman and current Laois coach Aidan Stakelum also rumoured to be coming on board with the seniors.

There is a scheduled Tipperary County Board meeting to take place next Tuesday evening, 21st July in Thurles, when more might be revealed.