Must-win game for Tipperary, says John Leahy

With five Munster hurling titles to his name, John Leahy can afford to question Tipperary's now three-year wait since their last one. Although that wait, says Leahy, should end against Waterford on Sunday.

For Leahy – who also won three All-Ireland hurling titles with Tipperary – the bigger question is whether they can end a five-year wait for another All-Ireland: although Sunday is a must-win game for Tipperary.

“Well, definitely, in terms of three years not challenging for a Munster title. And in that we’ve only won one match in Munster in those three years. And that’s not good enough for Tipp.

“We also need to keep ourselves grounded. We beat a Limerick team that had a very poor league and didn’t seem to be clicking like last year. So are we really All-Ireland contenders, right now? You couldn’t say that.

"Sunday will tell a lot, and I would give Tipp the advantage. In fairness, the likes of Seamus Callanan, his goal scoring form has been great. He's toughened up, and his confidence has just grown. I think there is an air of confidence about him now. It's not cockiness, but when he gets the ball, he's sure on the ball, and that has taken some psychological work.

Unbelievable skill

“And Padraic Maher has settled in at centre back, and Bubbles [John O’Dwyer] has unbelievable skill on the ball. That bit of flair will see them through, I think, on Sunday.

“From Waterford’s point of view, and Derek McGrath, he has put a system in there now, and they are very consistent. And they’re playing well as a team. But it’s such a big occasion for them, to come to Thurles. If it was played in Páirc Uí Chaoimh you’d say it wouldn’t be as intimidating for them because Tipp are well used to Semple Stadium, the whole background, the occasion.

“So there is a lot of experience in Tipp as well, whereas Waterford are still a new and coming team. I thought against Cork they weren’t really tested either, and even when they won the league Cork didn’t really come at them.”

Leahy is manager of the Tipperary’s women’s football team , and reckons it’s still too soon to tell how much Tipperary hurlers have improved on last year, when they forced Kilkenny to an All-Ireland final replay. The fact manager Eamon O’Shea has stated this will be his last year in charge may or may not help.

“I think they have the skill, but psychologically Kilkenny have been able to get over the line against Tipp. What can Tipp do to get over the line? So I think this one is a must-win for Tipp.”