NHL, Division 1A: Tipperary 0-22 Clare 1-18
Liam Cahill reckons the first league final meeting between Tipperary and Cork since 1960 will be “massive” for both teams.
Tipp’s last league success was in 2008, while the Rebels have to go back to 1998 for their most recent crown. The two counties have both lost five finals since those victories.
While the focus will remain on their Munster Championship openers on Easter Sunday (Tipp against Limerick and Cork away to Clare), Cahill views the final as “brilliant preparation” for those encounters.
“It’s a massive game for both teams,” said Cahill. “Cork are that little bit more advanced than us. I don’t think I’m being any way political in saying that.
“They have a steady, structured team. They’re All-Ireland finalists from last year and their currency now is silverware.
“We find ourselves in a league final. We’re delighted to be there. When a national title is on offer, you go after it.
“It’s going to be brilliant preparation for both sides for the 20th of April, when the Munster Championship commences.”
Cahill hailed the depth of his panel after a team showing seven changes pipped Clare in a dead-rubber derby in front of 6,351 fans at Semple Stadium.
Tipp never led until Darragh Stakelum’s clincher in the fourth and final minute of added time to complete a comeback from eight points down with 24 minutes remaining.
They outscored Clare by 0-13 to 0-4 down the stretch to carry their winning streak into a League final against Cork.
“Tonight was all about a performance and consistency for us,” said Cahill.
“It was very important to us. It’s here in Thurles, thrilled with the big Tipp support, and every time Tipp supporters come, they need to look in at a team fighting for everything that’s on offer.
“We showed that and definitely the supporters responded so it’s really encouraging from all aspects.
“There were a number of changes but that was all to do with players getting the opportunity to put their hand up because they deserve it.
“That’s the quality and real togetherness that we’re building within this squad. Really encouraged with that resilience towards the end to get the result.”
Cahill rested their three under-age stars, including top-scorer Darragh McCarthy, ahead of Tipp’s Munster U20 Championship opener against Limerick on Tuesday.
“It’s going to take a bit of management,” said Cahill of his communication with U20 boss Brendan Cummins.
“Brendan is very aware that your flagship team, your mothership team, takes priority but there is an opportunity to make sure we manage these players’ workload and make sure they can represent Tipperary at U20.
“None of them will be able to play U20 next year, they get one chance at it, and I’m going to do my best to make them available to play whenever I can.
“Brendan and myself will work closely together to make sure we give both teams every opportunity to progress.”
Clare manager Brian Lohan took the positives from such a narrow defeat.
“You need your attitude right and maybe we haven’t had our attitude as it could’ve been for the last couple of games. The attitude was better,” he said.
“We did a lot of things right and worked really hard all over the field so disappointed to lose the game.”
TIPPERARY: B Hogan; M Breen, E Connolly (0-3, 2f), R Doyle; B McGrath (0-1), R Maher (0-1), J Caesar; C Morgan, W Connors; S Kennedy, N McGrath (0-1), C Bowe (0-1); J Morris (0-2), J Forde (0-9, 7f, 1′65), D Walsh (0-1). Subs: B O’Mara for B McGrath (46 mins), D Stakelum (0-2) for Connors (46), G O’Connor (0-1) for Kennedy (46), A Ormond for Walsh (51), S Kenneally for Bowe (63).
CLARE: E Quilligan; A Hogan, C Cleary (0-1), S Woods; Daithí Lohan, J Conlon, D McInerney (0-1); R Taylor, C Malone; T Kelly (0-5, 2f), R Mounsey (0-1), S Rynne (0-1); A Shanagher (0-3), S Meehan, M Rodgers (1-5, 0-4f). Subs: D Reidy (0-1) for Mounsey (h-t), Darragh Lohan for McInerney (47 mins), A McCarthy for Meehan (53), P Crotty for Rynne (64), P Donnellan for Malone (70+2).
Referee: C Lyons (Cork).
