It’s a team game for captain O’Farrell

By Shane Brophy

Tipperary under 20 captain Sam O’Farrell is quickly becoming a lucky general, lifting a third piece of silverware in the blue and gold jersey.

After skippering the minors to provincial and All-Ireland honours in 2022, the Nenagh Eire Og clubman got to lift the Kenneally Cup as Tipperary won a record 23rd Munster under 20/21 title.

“We were under no illusions coming here it was going to be the polar opposite to Sixmilebridge. We know this Clare team, they fight to the bitter end and that’s what they did today,” he began.

“The black card was the turning point in the game, them going a man down, but we know what we have in this group and we knew it was going to take nothing but sixty-plus minutes of hurling to get the job done.”

O’Farrell was aided in the trophy acceptance duties by Paddy McCormack who was stand-in captain with O’Farrell starting from the bench after his energy-sapping contribution to the seniors win over Clare four days previous, with the decision made to start him from the bench.

“I have huge confidence sitting there knowing whatever fifteen we put out is going to live or die for the jersey,” added the Tipperary capJoe tain.

“In fairness to David Ryan, who came in, a lad just out of minor, he was absolutely spectacular.

“You want to be out there but there is huge confidence on the sideline knowing the lads are going to die for the jersey.”