Woodlock’s values being passed onto next generation
By Shane Brophy
Tipperary will face Waterford in the Munster Minor Hurling semi-final in FBD Semple Stadium this Tuesday evening at 7.00pm
Indeed, Tipperary got another valuable run-out at FBD Semple Stadium last Sunday afternoon, following the senior championship game match between Tipperary and Clare, as they defeated Galway in a very worthwhile challenge game.
Manager James Woodlock was able to give most of his panel at least half a game, bar defender Chris O’Donnell and forward Tom Delaney who both sat out the game with calf injuries but are expected to train this week as Tipp build-up towards next Tuesday’s win or bust game.
Overall, James Woodlock has been pleased with the application of his players so far.
“We were probably challenged differently in both games,” he said, reflecting on the Waterford and Clare wins.
“To get a result against Waterford in a tight physical game, going behind early on before showing huge mental strength and resilience to come back.
“Against Clare, we started poorly, and Clare asked a lot of questions by pulling a man out and made us really think hard.
“What we are blessed with are loads of leaders on the team, sixteen of them would have been involved in minor panels last year, between hurling and football, so there is loads of experience within the group.”
The players are also well-coached and are comfortable in the modern game of working the ball up the field from a short puckout, but Woodlock is keen to ensure there is still a strong Tipperary style of play.
“I know the modern style is there and Tipp can be a bit traditional, but we have a nice mix of both,” he said.
“We don’t go short with all our ball. What I say to the players is if we have to make the decisions on the side-line for them on the field we are going to be in trouble. If we go short with one and lose it, so what, if we go long and lose it, there is no perfect game.
“The basics for me is that the workrate is phenomenal. That’s the way I played and the way I like to play and has to be in Tipp’s game as we always have the hurlers so that is one thing we have embedded in them to never give up, never die, and stay in the fight all the time, and all those things were borne out against Waterford and Clare, and when both games became a battle we won out which was really pleasing."