Much at stake for Under 20's in Munster Semi-Final
Bord Gais Energy Munster Under 20 Hurling Championship Semi-Final Preview
By Michael Dundon
TIPPERARY v WATERFORD
Semple Stadium, Thurles
Tuesday 9th July
Throw-in @ 7.30pm (E.T. & Pens)
“A carrot for a massive win,” was Tipperary under 20 hurling manager Liam Cahill’s assessment of the possibilities that will arise if they were to beat Waterford in next Tuesday’s Munster Championship semi-final at Semple Stadium.
The picture is very clear. A win gets Tipperary into the Munster final. On top of that, victory over Waterford will ensure that the Premier lads are involved in the All-Ireland semi-final.
How ready are Tipperary to defend the All-Ireland crown they won last year, despite the agre grade changing from under 21 to under 20, when they turned the tables on a hotly fancied Cork side in the All-Ireland final having suffered an embarrassing drubbing at the hands of the Leesiders in Munster?
“We have ten of the extended panel from last year and having the All-Ireland winning minors of two years ago is also a big help,” admitted Cahill.
“Three of the team are in the senior set-up, Jerome Cahill, Paddy Cadell and Jake Morris. We have had a number of good challenges against Kilkenny, Dublin and Galway and some in-house games with players in the extended senior squad.
“We have been in training for a while and the challenge is to make sure the players are at the right level on July 9th. It has been a long preparation but we are ready to hurl now,” he said.
The teams lines out as follows;
1. Aaron Browne - Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams
2. Conor McCarthy - Nenagh Éire Óg
3. Michael Purcell - Thurles Sarsfields
4. Craig Morgan - Kilruane MacDonaghs (Capt.)
5. Eoghan Connolly - Cashel King Cormacs
6. Paddy Cadell - JK Brackens
7. Bryan O'Mara - Holycross-Ballycahill
8. Ciarán Connolly - Loughmore-Castleiney
9. Jerome Cahill - Kilruane MacDonaghs
10. Gearóid O'Connor - Moyne-Templetuohy
11. Jake Morris - Nenagh Éire Óg
12. Joe Fogarty - Moneygall
13. Seán Hayes - Kiladangan
14. Billy Seymour - Kiladanagn
15. Conor Bowe - Moyne-Templetuohy
16. Eoin Collins - Drom-Inch
17. Niall Heffernan - Golden-Kilfeacle
18. Robbie Quirke - Toomevara
19. Seán Ryan - Templederry Kenyons
20. Devon Ryan - Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams
21. Kian O’Kelly - Kilruane MacDonaghs
22. Johnny Ryan - Arravale Rovers
23. Andrew Ormond - JK Brackens
24. Ray McCormack - Borris-Ileigh
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