Munster title is a target for Tipp - Kelly

By Shane Brophy

Tipperary manager Denis Kelly was a satisfied man after seeing his side book a place in the Munster Final following Saturday’s semi-final win over Waterford.

“I’m delighted, we had this as a target,” he began.

“We have trained hard for the last number of weeks since we went out of the league, so we are delighted to get this win.

“We came up with a plan that worked and very happy with that.

“So, it’s onwards and upwards. We have things to work on, we gave away a sloppy goal towards the end and didn’t get enough points on the board either, but you’d have to be happy with the win.

“I’m delighted for the girls. They were disappointed in the league to lose out barely on getting to a final but these things come in swings and roundabouts so we are back in a Munster final which would be great to win.”

Tipperary have had some near misses in recent years when it comes to reaching finals, be it league, Munster and All-Ireland’s, reaching a league final in 2020 but it was never played due to Covid so next Saturday’s provincial final against Clare is a big deal indeed.

“It is great to play in a final but there is no point in getting to one now unless you win it,” Kelly added.

“We have played Clare twice already this year, once in the league and once in a challenge match so the more times you play a team the harder it is to keep beating them, and Clare are improving so we are not taking anything for granted. This is going to be another titanic battle next Saturday.”

Once again, Tipperary will get to play on a big stage with the Munster Final taking place in Semple Stadium next Saturday afternoon, prior to the senior hurling championship game between Waterford and Clare, and Kelly has welcomed the scheduling of camogie matches with the round robin in senior hurling.

He said: “Fair play to the Munster Council and Munster Camogie for having the foresight to arrange these games side by side because it is a great buzz for the girls to get out in front of a decent crowd to show their wears.

“Next weekend in a quick turnaround and Clare will have the crowd at their back so that will be tough, but we won’t worry too much about the Clare crowd, we’ll keep doing our business and drive on from today and hopefully we’ll get the right result.”

TIPPERARY v CLARE

FBD Semple Stadium

Saturday 13th May

Throw-in @ 3.30pm (E.T.)

Referee: Andy Larkin