Panel depth shown as changes make impact for U20 Hurlers

By Stephen Barry

Tipperary under 20 hurling manager Brendan Cummins expressed his satisfaction at the depth of the panel in the wake of their victory over Cork last week.

Following the surprise first round defeat to Limerick, Cummins and his management made four changes to the team with “extra stability” at the back a priority, with Jim Ryan at centre back prominent throughout.

“Jim Ryan anchors the play really well,” Cummins said.

“He was very solid in behind the boys and that was the thought process behind it.

“It freed up Sam O'Farrell to express himself more out in the wing, which he did.

“Overall, we looked that little bit more solid.

“Cathal O'Reilly, with the pace and speed he has, epitomised that in the last play when he was caught one-on-one.

“Anyone else would panic, he doesn't, and he got good experience there. He's still very young, just out of minor, so a long ways to go for all of those young men.

“Stefan Tobin got a go there in the finish. David Costigan was really good in his work rate. Put that on top of Conor Martin, who is back to his old self now.

“Hurling is a game of skill but it's also a game of passion. Thankfully, we brought that passion.”

Cummins also praised those who lost their places in the team.

“It was hard on the lads who were left out. Jack Quinlan and Jack O'Callaghan and those lads. Paddy Phelan had to drop down to the bench. It wasn't easy but they all took it with great character.

“They all understand that Tipperary, you have to try to have to try to win. We have depth, and all the cards go up in the air again now.

“We'll play a couple of internal games, a couple of challenges to give fellows an opportunity for Sixmilebridge. That's the way it has to be.”

With Sam O’Farrell and Darragh McCarthy among Liam Cahill’s senior panellists due back in Cork four days later for the League final, Cummins said there was never any thought of players having to choose between the two.

“There was no discussion. Liam said, no problem, the lads could play,” Cummins revealed.

“There was never a conversation with any of those young men to say, what are you going to do?

“Because they were hurting after last Tuesday night, frankly, and they wanted to get rid of that hurt.”