Tipp seeking redemption against Galway
By Shane Brophy
Same day, same time, same venue!
Two years on from the bitterly disappointing defeat to Galway which precipitated a decline that lasted for well over twelve months, Tipperary get the opportunity to make amends when they take on the tribesmen in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship quarter final at the TUS Gaelic Grounds Limerick this Saturday at 6.15pm.
It’s not that Tipperary will be looking for revenge, they were deservedly beaten in that 2023 quarter final, it was the fact their performance level was so far off their best which left everyone frustrated over why they didn’t perform.
It should mean the players won’t lack for motivation this Saturday as Tipperary chase a first All-Ireland semi-final berth in six years.
Speaking after confirming their place in the quarter finals with a comfortable victory over Laois last Saturday, Tipperary manager Liam Cahill admitted that learning the lessons from two years ago will be key in how they turn up at the Ennis road venue on Saturday evening.
“We only look back to learn from what has happened,” he said.
“We turned the page today very quickly; we’ll get really focused now for six or seven days' time.
“Galway are a really, really dangerous opposition. Historically, with really strong Tipperary teams down the years, they've caused us great difficulty and we will not be going into this game with our eyes half-closed or not ready for what's coming.
“We know what's going to come from Galway. They will be very sore after the Leinster final. They'll feel they only hurled for fifteen minutes, maybe less, and could have got something out of the game.
“So, they're a very, very dangerous opposition for us.”
Regular starters Eoghan Connolly and Jake Morris didn’t feature against Laois with Connolly not togged at all, but Cahill revealed the full back was held back as a precaution.
“Eoghan has a soft tissue injury that we just wanted to be careful of,” he revealed.
“The game was just a bit soon for him, he did a great bit of work during the week, but we just need to get another session or two into Eoghan leading into next weekend.”