Positive signs against Wexford but Limerick will tell a lot

By Noel Dundon

When the story of Tipperary’s hurling campaign for 2025 is written, round 2 of the Allianz National Hurling League against Wexford will be well down the chapters – that’s if it receives even a few paragraphs.

The game was a pretty forgettable one except perhaps for the fact that Liam Cahill and his management team handed debuts to more players as part of the whole rebuilding process.

That process continues at pace and for some of those who have made the cut so far, there have been positive signs. Dylan Walsh impressed in the opening round as did Sam O’Farrell – neither played here but Robert Doyle and Gavin O’Halloran more than held their own while Eoghan Connolly continues to suggest that he could be the rock at the edge of the square.

The integration process has seen Jason Forde, John McGrath, Seamus Kennedy, and Michael Breen mixed in with the new faces while a number of those who have been there but are still establishing themselves such as Brian McGrath and Andrew Ormond are stepping up. Jake Morris and Darragh McCarthy are adding more threat up front and it’s fair to say that Tipp are in rude good health as they face the team bus for Limerick next Sunday – that will tell us where we are at as mid-February approaches.

Leaving aside the fact that Galway were well off the pace in the first round and Wexford never really looked like having the wherewithal to cause Tipperary very much trouble, supporters will have to be pleased with the manner in which the whole picture is being painted.

The colours suggest a brighter future ahead as link-up play, teeing up the attack and defending in numbers appear to be falling into place more naturally than heretofore. The players are appearing more comfortable with what is being asked of them and the system feels a bit more natural this time round, in comparison to the contrived efforts of last season's campaign.

Scores created from deep within the defence against Wexford with the ball being worked out through the lines would point to a Tipperary panel which is finally at ease with the game plan. If that is the case, then there are good days ahead.

Of course, there is still plenty of work to be done and there is a real appetite to do the work. But with the continued evolution of the squad and more to come back into the fray the omens are really good.

Perhaps proof positive of the above is the emergence of a potent midfield partnership of Willie Connors and Craig Morgan. The energy they are bringing to the engine room is impressive – they contributed 0-3 from play and could have had a bit more too with Morgan being fouled for the penalty and having another effort hooked. The manner in which they mine possession and use the ball is excellent, but they will be tested to the full next weekend in a sector of the field where Limerick are renowned.

There’s a lot to like about the games we have seen so far in the league. Granted there are bigger tests ahead, but they will help prepare the side for the championship better than any training or challenge games.

Without doubt there will be bumps on the road – in the Wexford game, the visitors had their period of dominance, but Tipp managed to regain the grip and moved forward again. These games are as much about learning to manage the crisis as they are hurling with carefree abandon when on the up.

Being resilient has been a problem in recent times, but there are signs that this is changing. What does that mean? Well for instance, when teams got on top, we have found it hard to stem the tide and to impose our own game on the opposition – good teams have put us away in minutes as a result. But, both Galway and Wexford threatened to get on a run in the league ties, only to see Tipperary stop them in their tracks and shift the gears from reverse into full force forward. That’s very encouraging and Liam Cahill will be hoping that this is an aspect of the team’s evolution which continues to develop.

A good start is half the battle they say – well, the battle for Tipp begins in earnest next weekend. Leaving aside the result, the performance will be assessed thoroughly. Limerick will be chomping at the bit having mined only a point against Cork. The juggernaut will be powered up in anticipation of the Tipp visit and you can be sure the attendance will be baying for Premier blood.

Yes, come teatime next Sunday, we’ll know a lot more about our men than we do right now.