Kearns hopes Tipp can put their best foot forward in 2019

Consolidation in division 2 is the aim for Liam Kearns as he heads into his fourth campaign as Tipperary senior football manager in 2019.

Each year so far has brought with it some element of progress, from the never to be forgotten run to the All Ireland semi-final in 2016, to promotion from division 3 of the Allianz League in 2017 to retaining their division 2 status in 2018, and while that target remains the same for 2019, for Tipperary to develop further, doing so from a stable base is vital.

“Tipperary never consolidated their position in division 2, they got up there once and were relegated in the first year,” said Liam Kearns of their one and only division 2 campaign prior to last year.

“We did that last year albeit we could have gotten promoted and probably should have as we were probably the best team in division 2 last year. We didn't look for promotion last year but we should have gotten promoted.

“Our first goal has to be consolidation. That was our goal last year but when you are in position for promotion, you'll see how it goes.”

However, their quest to be in division 2 at least next year will be tested severely in the coming weeks in what is the most competitive second tier there has been in some time with Donegal and Kildare coming down from division 1 with Armagh and Fermanagh coming up from the third tier, joining Tipperary, Cork, Clare and Meath.

“This is the strongest division 2 in a long time,” admitted Kearns.

 

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