Tipp aim to start as they look to go on
Co-Op Superstores Munster Hurling League Final
TIPPERARY v CLARE
Gaelic Grounds, Limerick
Sunday 13th January
Throw-in @ 2.00pm (E.T. Result on the day)
Referee: Thomas Walsh (Waterford)
Liam Sheedy's first stint as Tipperary senior hurling manager began with success in early 2008 and he is on course again to repeat that feat as they take on Clare next Sunday in the Munster Hurling League Final in the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick (2.00pm).
In the competitions previous guise as the Waterford Crystal Cup, Tipperary won it on no fewer than four occasions, including in the spring of 2008 when it got the Liam Sheedy era off to a winning start, defeating Waterford in the final in Templemore.
Eleven years on, the prize of crystal-ware has turned into silverware in the form of the Munster Hurling League trophy with Tipperary looking to head into the National League in the best possible way.
Tipperary didn't enter the competition during Michael Ryan's three years in charge and it didn't unduly impact on their preparations, reaching league finals in each of the last two seasons, despite the subsequent disappointing nature of both finales.
However, it has provided Liam Sheedy an opportunity to run the rule over a squad he is relatively new to with only five players remaining from when he stepped down as manager in 2010 following the All Ireland victory.
"Overall, it is a worthwhile exercise; we won our two games and we are in the final,” admitted the Tipperary manager following last Saturday's 4-20 to 1-14 win over Kerry in Nenagh which confirmed their place in the final.
To read more, pick up a copy of this weeks Nenagh Guardian locally or subscribe to our e-paper to access it online each Wednesday.