No margin for error

By Shane Brophy

For the Tipperary senior hurlers in the 2026 Munster Championship, it is a case of rinse and repeat what they did in 2025 if they are to progress to the All-Ireland Series.

After two games last year, Tipp had one point from two matches, no difference to their situation at the same point this year.

Then as now, their third game is against Clare, and is must-win, possibly for both sides, depending on how the Banner County get on against Limerick next Sunday.

For Tipperary manager Liam Cahill and his players, the target is the same as it was this time last year, two wins are likely needed, including in Limerick on the final day of the round robin, a side Tipperary haven’t beaten competitively since 2018.

While there was an air of disappointment in the aftermath of Sunday’s draw against Waterford, Liam Cahill remained calm, focusing on their hopes of progressing beyond Munster remain in their own hands.

“We're on the same number of points as we were this time last year. So very similar actually in ways,” he said.

“We had to come with a big performance after last Sunday and we got that. A little bit patchy in the second half for too long a period. Again, something similar actually to what happened against Cork last weekend.

“But huge strides were made and lots of players coming into good form now as we head into the real business end of the championship.”

Tipperary have 20 days to prepare for their next game as they enter their bye round with the two round 3 games split over the coming weekends with Waterford hosting Cork on Saturday week, by which time Tipp will know exactly what is needed from the final two games.

“It's a great challenge to have,” the Tipp manager said excitedly.

“Semple Stadium is home to us but it's home to everybody really in the Munster championship. I think that's well versed.

“Our home record maybe isn't where we'd like it to be, but having said that, we'll come ready for Clare, no more than they will for us. It'll be really a really exciting encounter and both teams will have to win it obviously.

“Cork won today so they're sitting pretty and Limerick will have to do the business next weekend as well. So, this championship can take a lot of twists and turns yet before the competition is out.”

Tickets for the Clare game are already on sale online through the Munster GAA website but clubs will also receive an allocation of better quality stand tickets, to be distributed similar to the Cork and Waterford games.