Kelly believes this Tipp team will win an All-Ireland

Tipperary senior camogie manager Denis Kelly was heartbroken for his side after they suffered another shattering All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Galway at UMPC Nowlan Park on Saturday.

By Joe Scully

The Toomevara native was immensely proud of his players for the effort they put in as they led into the closing stages before Galway scored the last three points to progress to the final.

“It’s a tough one to take alright,” he admitted.

“We played a fairly good game. I am happy enough with the way the game went. The players gave it everything, they died with their boots on. We just didn’t get that extra score or two when we needed it.

“I’m very proud of the players, they have given us great service all year, and they were so so close there, and they are a credit to their clubs and their families.

“Galway are a great team, and you have to give them credit as well.

“We were here last year, and it hasn’t been a good hunting ground for us here in Nowlan Park, but they gave it everything and that’s all you can ask for as a manager.”

Despite a slow start from his side going three-points behind, they recovered well to lead at half time and despite conceding a goal early in the second period, recovered to lead by two points with the final whistle within hearing distance.

“Yeah, it was a bit of a slow start, but once we got back into it, we were motoring along well,” Kelly added.

“There were a few chances we didn’t take, a few soft wides that normally we would hit in our sleep, but that’s what pressure will do to you, on a day like that it’s a big occasion and those chances that have been going over all year just didn’t happen today.”

However, Kelly is in no doubt this team will bounce back again and success isn’t far away, and feels the future is very bright for Tipperary camogie.

“It’s a long way back from here, but no doubt these girls will be back, and with some great young talent coming through, there’s going to be a serious team here, and I have no doubt this team will win an All-Ireland,” Kelly concluded.