McCarthy highlights strong bond in progress
By Stephen Barry
The Tipperary Under 20s were driven on by external criticism to achieve Munster final glory, according to match-winning hero Darragh McCarthy.
Expectation levels were lowered at the start of the year based on challenge match results, but this talented group rallied to deliver on the biggest days.
“I’m just so happy for all the lads,” said McCarthy.
“They’ve worked so hard and taken so much criticism the whole year long, getting trashed in challenge matches and all this, but that’s part and parcel of it.
“You have to get on with that and we used that as motivation throughout the year. It’s a bunch of lads that never gave up for each other and that’s all we can do every day we go out on the field.”
That bond has been fostered over many years. Eleven of the starting team against Cork were involved in the 2022 All-Ireland minor final against Offaly. But those ties go back much further.
“Brendan got up a picture before the match of a Primary Game team and I’d say there’s eight of us that have played since that age,” McCarthy revealed.
“That bond is there. We’re all so close when it comes to the field, we just know each other so well. That helps a lot.”
As for McCarthy’s spectacular winning point, he has been trying those shots in Toomevara all his life.
“It was a shoot-on-sight moment,” he revealed.
“You take them shots in Toome the whole time so it was sort of poxy it went over!
“I didn’t think I had any other option on. Maybe there was. It could’ve gone fair bad for me as well so thank God it went over, that’s all I can say.”
Captain’s Call
Captain Ben Currivan lauded the group’s commitment, singling out the impact of their injured players.
“Words can’t describe them, their attitude, and effort in training,” said the Golden Kilfeacle clubman.
“Even Paddy (McCormack) and Jack Quinlan, they’re both injured but they’re at every training. “Paddy was doing some of the warm-up with his cast on so that’ll just tell you what you have there. It’s really special and I’m delighted to lead them into battle every day.”
Currivan has had to adapt to a new role as a deep-lying centre-back. He gave Tipp real solidity against Cork.
“It was very difficult starting out but as the year went on, we grew into it,” he added.
“Myself now, it was very tough but playing with them boys around me and they all working so hard, it makes my life very easy.
“It was hot and heavy for the last ten minutes. We were all hearts in mouths but in fairness, what a score to win it. Unbelievable.
“I was sitting at 6 and Podge O’Dwyer roaring into the back of your skull, it’s not easy at all, I won’t lie. But you know you can trust him, and he got the job done so we’re happy out now.”