Wicklow clash now a tuner for championship

By Liam Hogan

Tipp manager Philly Ryan is hoping to put a disappointing league campaign to bed in the hope the Munster Championship will bring more joy.

His injury hit team lost to the Division 4 League leaders Wexford at Chadwicks Wexford Park on Saturday evening but not before producing a great display when they were denied victory in added time.

With back to back defeats against London and Limerick plus the fact that Tipp were badly hit by injuries and absentees the Premier entered the game very much as underdogs but looked good enough to win when leading by seven in the 50th minute.

“Look we were seven points up but the way the new rules are, you always have a chance of coming back, which they did,” admitted manager Philly Ryan.

“They got momentum and after scoring our goal they came back straight away with a goal. They were able to bring in a couple of first team players off the bench.”

He added: “You cannot but be so proud of the lads. They produced a savage performance given the number of injuries and the way things were going during the week. In terms of injuries, we are very happy with the way we played but disappointed that we lost.”

With one more league game to play against Wicklow this Sunday, Tipp are out of contention for a place in the final so it’s all eyes on the Munster championship quarter final against Waterford on April 5th.

“We had to deal with the injuries and try out a few things during the week,” Ryan added.

“Look, there were a couple of players who started that game tonight who may not have started otherwise. This give us an opportunity to widen the panel and have a look at everybody, who training hard and with one more league game we will have a chance to see other players vying for a place on the team.

“It’s the way the game is at the moment. It’s fast, and we have a lot of young players coming in who haven’t done enough strength and conditioning work. We are hoping that some of the injuries will clear up over the next few weeks.”

In his view of the new rules the Tipp manager added: “They are great but I wish they would stop tweaking them every now and again.

“I shouldn’t be giving out about them. I’m happy with them. They are making the game quick and that is what people want to see. We looked at the defensive game long enough so change was needed and it was no harm to bring in something that works and they are working.

“Look we are now going to concentrate on getting a win over Wicklow. That’s what we need going into the championship.”