Cahill pleased with solid win

By Liam Hogan

Tipperary manager Liam Cahill paid tribute to the performance of new vice-captain Jake Morris following Saturday’s National League win over Dublin.

“A tough week,” said Cahill said for Morris who scored 1-4 from play, following the death of his aunt Trish the previous day, and gave his condolences to the family.

“Jake got a number of vital scores, especially one of the goals,” he added.

“We seemed to be drawing for air at one stage as Dublin came at us in the second half. Then Jake got his opportunity. He is a good marksman and is accustomed to getting big scores.”

Tipperary’s play was very fluid in the first half, but Dublin got back into the game with a couple of quick points at the start of the second. In addition, Tipp conceded a lot of frees in the third quarter and it allowed the home side back into the game.

“That’s inter-county hurling, you can’t afford to be off your game,” Cahill continued.

“Dublin delayed coming out for the second half and they were well roiled up and showed that. They got the first scores of the second half. They dictated for a fifteen minute period.

“In fairness to the lads, they worked it out. They used their heads and began to use the ball well and capitalised on a couple of Dublin errors and it hurt Dublin that little bit more and we began to gain traction.”

Sometimes it’s hard for younger players to step up but all the new faces are looking more comfortable and taking on the leadership role according to the Tipp boss.

“It’s all about giving them exposure,” he added.

“Obviously the year (2023) didn’t end the way we wanted to, especially after the good start we had. Last year was massively beneficial with the exposure all these players got. It is helping this year. We are very much a work in progress. Nobody is getting carried away. We still have to find our shape,”

Cahill agreed that facing Dublin in Parnell Park was a tough start for Tipp and one he was delighted to have come through.

“The last two league games here we were comprehensively beaten,” he recalls.

“But the mindset of the lads is good. They are an ambitious bunch of players. I love working with them. They are committed to everything they do. We just have to do our utmost to support them every way we can. If they keep getting the support from the management and the backroom and the supporters in the stand, they will achieve success either this year or next year.”

Next Sunday, Tipp have a tough game against Galway in Semple Stadium. They are a free flowing team and then there is Eamon O’Shea, new Galway selector.

“That’s the whole idea of the league. Galway are a top team,” Cahill added.

“Henry Shefflin is in his third year as manager. It’s going to be a right good test. We are looking forward to the challenge and I hope there will be a big Tipp following.”

He added: “We want to win every match. You cannot beat winning and obviously with the way the league is structured this year we want to be in the top tier so to have ample opportunity for the championship. The carrot is there now, and the top three teams qualify we will be going after that as a minimum.”

Tipp have a few injury worries but Liam Cahill is hopeful that Seamus Kennedy may be involved against Galway, but initial focus will this weeks Fitzgibbon Cup quarter finals with up to six panel members in action.

“The Fitzgibbon is a prestigious competition and is very important to them players and it’s up to us to make sure they are in as good as form as possible and hopefully they can do themselves justice,” concluded the Tipp manager.