Fitzgerald thanks Moneygall for stepping into the breach

By Stephen Barry

Niall Fitzgerald hailed North Tipperary as a “happy hunting ground” after a change of venue still delivered two points against Antrim.

The Blue & Gold manager was particularly grateful to FBD Semple Stadium head groundsman and Moneygall native Padhraic Greene for helping to facilitate the fixture, after the Thurles pitch was deemed unplayable on Friday.

“I'd like to thank the Moneygall club, and in particular Padhraic Greene, just to make sure that the fixture went ahead,” Fitzgerald began.

“We were struggling to get a pitch available, so it's much appreciated, and North Tipp has been a happy hunting ground today for us.

“We're delighted with the character the lads showed. Even conceding the goal at the end, it was a real sloppy goal and we were disappointed with that, but it didn't rattle them. They just fought really hard. I was really, really happy.

“The other side of it is we left a lot of scores behind us. That's been a theme the last two weeks. We're creating a lot of chances, but we need to be more clinical. That's going to come as this group matures.

“There's going to be ups and downs this year and over the next couple of years, because of that bit of inexperience, but once they're bringing that level of character, we'll be in the hunt.”

Ballina footballers Steven O’Brien and Charlie King were rare members of the Tipp panel to have lined out in Moneygall before. Fitzgerald hailed that duo for playing through injuries to contribute to the four-point triumph.

“Steven and Charlie King were carrying knocks, but they put in some shifts,” Fitzgerald added.

“For lads who were 50-50 yesterday, whether they'd be able to play, the two of them put in big shifts.”

Fitzgerald praised goal-scorer Daithí Hogan for backing up his mid-week green flag for UL with another in county colours.

“There's talented young players there, but playing inter-county senior National League games is a big, steep learning curve. You earned it here,” he added.

“Daithí had to adjust to his usual game and he did. He came up with the goods and we're really happy with that.”

After a weekend off, third-placed Tipp will welcome table-toppers Carlow to Semple Stadium on Sunday, February 15th.

“They're flying high. They've accounted for Antrim and Wicklow in the last two games. Antrim and Wicklow would have been the favourites at the outset to get promoted,” said Fitzgerald.

“That's going to be a tough game for us. There may be a little bit more experience in their group, but the lads will be really excited and looking forward to it.”