Depth of squad pleases Kelly in Galway win

By Liam Hogan

Having served on the management team under Bill Mullaney for the past two years, the occasion was no stranger to new Tipperary senior camogie manager Denis Kelly.

However, what was new is that his first day as Tipp supremo could not have turned out much better on Saturday.

Getting a win over league champions Galway on the first day out was important and based on this performance there could be a few more victories.

For this win he reacted very positively when the press met him on the pitch at The Ragg after the final whistle.

“We had a good first half but it was tough enough in the second half,” he revealed.

“There was a strong breeze against us in the second half and it took us a while to score in that period, but we finished strong which is a testament to our fitness.”

With seven players who didn’t play from last year’s final championship game against Cork, the replacements stood the test and now there are two players fighting for each position. It’s a nice place to be in.

“We have 36 on our panel and every day they are pushing each other for places,” Kelly added.

“That’s what we want. There are six or seven players coming in from last year’s minor grade and they are shoving pressure on the more established players.

“It was great to see Karen Kennedy back. She provides so much for us at centre back as does Teresa Ryan at midfield. Clodagh Quirke provides great cover at full back also.”

Like most inter-county teams, there are injury worries and Tipp have a few ahead of next Saturday’s second round game away to Dublin in Parnell Park at 2.00pm.

The Tipp manager revealed: “Mary Ryan didn’t tog out today. Caoimhe McCarthy is coming back from a cruciate. Aoife McGrath was out today also while Cait Devane only came off the bench and she made a nice contribution with a nice point.”