To describe Tipperary’s game last Sunday as a ‘challenge’ match would be a misnomer. Call it farcical, if you will, but it was certainly no challenge. Mary I sent out a shadow side which robbed the game of any meaning and left paying patrons feeling short-changed.
It must leave the Tipperary camp wondering about its build up to the league launch on February 13. The side next plays Laois – not exactly a top-flight team either – on Sunday at Morris Park. Elsewhere Dublin, our opening league opponents, face Wexford in the Walsh Cup final following a significant win over Galway at the weekend.
The decision to opt out of the Munster league is looking more questionable by the week. There was merit in avoiding last year’s format but once the system was changed it made sound sense to rethink. For whatever reason we didn’t revisit the initial decision and you can now expect recriminations if our early league rounds go pear-shaped.
Ironically one of the reasons for opting out of the Waterford Crystal was the prospect of playing pointless games against weak college opposition. Yet here we end up playing a makeshift college side minus all bar a couple of their first fifteen. You’d have got better resistance from any local club team.
The end score line had a cricket look to it, which probably made Brendan Maher feel at home. He certainly excelled as did ‘Bonner’ Maher, the pair of them leading the demolition job, doling out a lesson to the unfortunate students.
It all served little purpose. Mind you I’d been told repeatedly in recent weeks that this game was problematic for Mary I – how right you were Darragh! The Munster league final between Clare and Limerick on Saturday was no help. Then you had injuries keeping others sidelined. With a full strength Mary I side you’d have had a decent contest; without so many big names it was always going to be a mismatch.
It was disappointing for the followers who came out to support a local school and hopefully see some competitive hurling. When you advertise a feature game like this and charge a tenner at the gate there is an obligation to put on some decent fare. The fact that Mary I didn’t even use the player numbers as listed on the programme sheet added insult. The paying followers deserved better.
The game itself veered one-sided early on and thereafter the students just folded. From a Tipperary perspective you take what positives you can from it. ‘Bonner’s’ lively form from centre forward was encouraging to see. His opening goal was an absolute exocet. He had another early in the second half and, scoring apart, his hustling in general play was a delight to see.
Brendan Maher too was on fire from half back showing no pity for any opponent. The midfield form of Michael Breen was eye-catching as well. He played full back in the two previous games. Hopefully he’ll get a stint in one position, preferably midfield where the need seems greatest. His game has a Kilkenny-esque aspect to it, which fits requirements.
Given the poverty of the opposition in these games all the newcomers have been able to settle in comfortably though the real test has still to come. Kieran Morris has contributed nicely in recent games; he scored 1-3 from play as did John McGrath who again looked sharp. Dylan Fitzell had his best experience since his call-up, hitting three points. Liam McGrath and Andrew Coffey also hit points in the runaway scoring. It was good to see Cathal Barrett back in harness as we head towards the league opener. Noel McGrath too looks keener than ever as does Jason Forde.
Conor Kenny continued recent impressions, hitting 2-2 this time. He has the scoring touch whether or not other aspects of his game will match-up against tougher opponents. In a sense he’s a little like Seamus Callanan when he first came on the scene showing scoring potential but not always the best at winning his own ball. Look where Callanan’s confidence has taken him since then and the hope is that Kenny can follow a similar path.
The Tipperary defence had it pretty handy on Sunday with goalie, Brian Hogan, getting no opportunity to showcase his ability. Tossy Hamill was an interesting choice at full back. Since his minor days he’s struggled to step up to the higher level but there is evidence this year of progress. He looks stronger than the lanky teenager he was and he has done nothing wrong so far this January. Nenagh’s Daire Quinn is making an impact too, looking forceful at wing back on Sunday.
Anyway the team has Laois in Dr. Morris Park on Sunday next and there’s some mention of a game under lights later in preparation for the arrival of Dublin on February 13 for the league launch.
Incidentally team catering last Sunday was bankrolled by Coolmore and John Magnier, whose grandchildren attend Little Flower School in Ballytarsna, which was the beneficiary of the game. There’s a Tipperary hurling connection with Declan Fanning who works for David Wachman and coaches at the primary school.
Meanwhile on the club scene Sarsfields duly delivered their expected county U21 title and the County Board made the draws for the 2016 championships in hurling and football. It’s an important year in club hurling because the new system kicks in the following season so clubs need to position themselves to ensure they have Dan Breen action in 2017.
I suspect the new dispensation has gone almost unnoticed by clubs who’ll be waking up to the reality this time next year. Wasn’t it a clever trick by the Board to slip in the new format for two years ahead? The lack of immediacy made it easier to gain acceptance for what is a major change.
The Roinn 2 teams need to win their groups in 2016 in order to compete for the Dan Breen in 2017 – otherwise they’ll need to win their division. So, there’ll be quite a scramble in those Roinn 2 games where every outcome will be important with relegation facing the sides that finish bottom.
In Roinn 1 there are some interesting combinations with Sarsfields, Drom/Inch and Nenagh all in different groups and all no doubt fancied to top their sections. The fourth group looks more even with Kilruane, Clonoulty, Lorrha and Portroe. Effectively in 2017 we’ll have a two-tier system with the Dan Breen and then a ‘B’ championship in all bar name.
There was another interesting development at the weekend where the divisions were brought into the Dome to make their draws as part of the overall process. In all of this the four divisions are becoming less relevant with the county authority overseeing the major championships. Ultimately one suspects we’re moving towards all county championships with the divisions losing significance.
In the divisional draws there was bad news for Drom/Inch who face a preliminary round in the Mid v. Moyne and then a quarter-final against their old nemesis, Sarsfields. Then again maybe that’s the best time to face Thurles who tend to get stronger as the season progresses. The South senior hurling features Swans v. Mullinahone and Killenaule v. Ballingarry in first round games.
The West and North draws in hurling were deferred. The West has only three teams and has yet to decide a format – not much option there unless you keep playing and re-playing each other. The North too deferred their draw. With their fourteen senior sides they’re objecting to a straight knock-out format and the issue now goes back to County Board which must decide on the matter. The North seems to have nodded off when the original decision was made; now, wide awake, the reality dawns and they want it changed.
Finally Tom Egan and his popular hotel at the Horse and Jockey hosts a novel event next Monday might, one that will interest Tipperary hurling fans. It’s called ‘Monthly Memoirs’ where a panel of former greats will, according to the blurb, ‘give a recollection of their day with an eye to the future’. Next Monday’s inaugural event will feature John Leahy, Mick Roche and Declan Ryan on the panel. Liam O’Donoghue will be M.C. while Cyril Farrell and Bobby Ryan will do interviews. The ten euro admission charge goes to Michael Ryan and the Tipperary hurling panel. Sounds interesting.
