Paul Kelly’s early focus is building the right culture

By Michael Dundon

New Tipperary manager Paul Kelly has a very pragmatic approach to his role as he seeks to guide his new charges to promotion from division four of the National Football League, and to reclaim the ground lost since the Premier county annexed Munster honours three years ago.

After enjoying his first victory as manager, a four point verdict over Limerick in the McGrath Cup on Sunday, the Dublin native was not getting carried away with the result.

“It is only pre-season,” he began.

“But, of course I am happy with the win but what I am seeking is to build up the right culture in the squad. If we can do that, we can get the performances, and from that will come the results. We have a very young team and there are seventeen or eighteen clubs represented in the squad.

“Defensively we improved from the first game (against Kerry) and we are also improving athletically. We are five to six weeks behind in our pre-season to where I would like to be so it was very encouraging to see how we drove on in the closing stages today.”

Kelly also pointed out that there are six or seven key players missing at present who are dealing with medium to long-term injuries but he confirmed that the 2020 Munster final winning captain Conor Sweeney, who was sidelined with a long term injury last year, is back in training.

“He is working away trying to build up his recovery,” Kelly revealed.

“We are anxious to have him back but these injuries have to be managed properly.

“Mark Russell and Stephen Quirke are also in training and making their way back to full fitness and we are hoping that they will see some action during the league campaign.”

The new boss was handed a further headache when goalkeeper Evan Comerford, who had kicked two long range points from frees, was forced to retire after just fourteen minutes with what looked like a muscle strain.

“We won’t know until during the week exactly what the problem is but I am hoping it will not be too serious,” Kelly revealed.

“Hats off to Jack Rodgers, however, who stepped in and did very well on his debut.”

The Naas based Rodgers hails from Cashel stock and has thrown in his lot with Tipperary under the parentage rule.

The focus now shifts to the National League opener against Carlow in FBD Semple Stadium on Saturday week, and this win over Limerick will surely build confidence in the squad. The manager is happy with the progress being made but again stresses the need to develop the right culture within the panel.

“We want to do well in the league but do so it is important that we have the right framework in place,” Kelly stressed.

“We have to have the right culture in the squad and if we achieve that the right performances will follow, and from that will come the results”.

A cautious approach, with some caveats, but it is clear Paul Kelly has a realistic vision of the direction he wants to take Tipperary football. It will take time for him to put his stamp on this side, and he must be given that. A good league campaign is imperative. The manager is pleased with how things are going and the response from his players. A home win over Carlow would give his crusade a huge impetus.