Win proves ideal wedding present for great Devane
By Stephen Barry
A victory over Cork was the best present Tipperary could deliver Cáit Devane to celebrate her wedding day.
The 2023 All-Star is currently on sabbatical from the panel and the midday throw-in at Páirc Uí Rinn was set to facilitate the Premier players in attending the marriage celebrations. Apart from Clodagh Quirke, that is, who was on bridesmaid duty.
“There’s a few of them gone running already,” said manager Denis Kelly moments after the full-time whistle.
“The dresses were in the dressing room there. We wish Cáit and Colm all the best on their big day. If we can give them this small present, it’ll be our way of saying congratulations and best of luck for the years ahead.”
When asked about Devane’s potential involvement this year, Kelly replied: “We’re not sure. I spoke to Cáit Devane at length over the winter time. Cáit said she was getting married and building a house so she’s busy.
“She hasn’t retired or anything like that, but she’s pulled back from it for the year. I know as much as you know after that.”
The victory lifts Tipp into a four-way tie at the top of Division 1A, with the first two to qualify for the League final. Score difference has Tipp (+3) sitting third, behind Waterford (+14) and Galway (+12) but ahead of Cork (+1).
After a week’s break, they face back-to-back trips to Kilkenny and Clare to complete the group stage.
“It’s a big win because they’re the All-Ireland champions and they’re a serious outfit,” Kelly added.
“We played them already in a challenge match in Borrisoleigh earlier in the year and we got over them by a few points there again.
“Winning is a habit and we’re in the habit of it now. It’s great to do it but as I said to Ger Manley (Cork manager), this is League and they’ll be right for Championship.”
The victory looked unlikely when three points down entering the final five minutes, but Tipp outscored their wasteful opponents by 2-2 to 0-2 from there.
“We’re delighted with the character shown because with five minutes of ordinary time left, it didn’t look good,” said Kelly.
“We threw everything at Cork. Eventually, it came up trumps. We made a few changes and they seemed to work for us.
“Work-rate is the bedrock of what we’re doing, and we were delighted with that. There was Cork players getting the ball and having to turn back. That’s what you want in a big game like that.”
As against Waterford, Tipp’s opponents were awarded almost twice as many frees (23 to 12) by the referee across the sixty minutes. It’s a point Kelly will examine in the fortnight off.
“Definitely there was a couple of contentious ones but it’s a tough game in the middle,” he said.
“We want the girls playing on the edge, but we don’t want to give away as many frees so that’s a challenge for us to look at.”
Kelly also has full faith in his goalkeeper Nicole Walsh, in her first year between the posts, to overcome her error for the Cork goal.
“That’s the first mistake she’s made all year. Nicole will pick herself up and she’ll drive on. There’ll be no problem there. She’s been fantastic since she went back in. These things happen and you have to get on with it.”