Cork Calling!
By Shane Brophy
Tipperary will become extremely familiar with SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh in the coming weeks after the Leeside venue was confirmed as the venue for the National Hurling League final against Cork.
The two Munster rivals have long operated a home and away agreement at all ages and grades, and with the last knockout league game between the counties having been a semi-final in 2012 which was played in Thurles, thirteen years on it is Tipperary’s turn to honour the deal.
The game has been fixed for Sunday, 6th April at 4.00pm, two weeks before the start of the Championship when Tipp host Limerick and Cork travel to Clare, and three weeks before the sides meet again in the second round of the Munster round-robin.
Despite the proximity of the game to the championship, the final which is a double-header with the division 1B final between Waterford and Offaly, is already a 45,300 sell-out for what is the first National League final between the sides in 65 years.
“It’s a massive game for both teams,” said Tipperary manager Liam Cahill after their win over Clare on Saturday night, prior to discovering the venue for the game.
“Cork are that little bit more advanced than us. I don’t think I’m being any way political in saying that. They have a steady, structured team. They’re All-Ireland finalists from last year and their currency now is silverware.”
He added: “We find ourselves in a League final, we’re delighted to be there. When a national title is on offer, you go after it. It’s going to be brilliant preparation for both sides for the 20th of April, when the Munster Championship commences.”
Indeed, for the five members of the Tipperary senior panel that are also on the under 20 panel, they could get a run out in Pairc Ui Chaoimh before the league final as they play Cork in round 2 of the Munster Championship next Wednesday, 2nd April. Tipp opened the defence of their title last night (Tuesday) at home to Limerick (see www.nenaghguardian.ie for report)
“It is going to take a bit of management,” Liam Cahill admitted as to the workload on the five players Aaron O’Halloran, and particularly Darragh McCarthy, Sam O’Farrell, and Oisin O’Donoghue and Conor Martin who have featured for Tipp at senior level in the league.
“We are fortunate to have players talented that are so young.
“Brendan (Cummins) is very aware that your flagship team is the one that take priority.
“But there is an opportunity now to make sure that we manage these players workload and make sure we can represent Tipperary at under 20 which is a very prestigious team to play for as regards their age group as some might not play in that age group next year so they’ll only get one chance at it so I will do my best to make them available whenever I can to play at their respective grade.
“I have been fortunate to enough to manage at that level and I understand what goes on behind the scenes with an underage team to put them through the development process, but to also win at that level because it is important to get a taste of success at that level as well as developing them.
“Brendan and myself will work closely together to make sure that we give both teams every opportunity to progress.”