TIPPERARY MANAGER LIAM Kearns admits that his players are in bonus territory ahead of next Sunday’s All-Ireland senior football quarter-final against Galway – but has urged them to grasp the opportunity that presents itself at Croke Park.
In his first season at the helm, Kearns has already achieved three long-term goals – beating one of Munster’s top two (Cork), contesting a provincial final and breaking through to the last eight of the All-Ireland series.
But Kearns is not content with that and has vowed that the Premier County are not going to Croke Park simply to make up the numbers against the Connacht champions.
He said: “The only goal we didn’t reach was promotion from Division 3 but we’ll have to tear up the long-term goals now and look at another set.
“After doing it in the first year, it’s bonus territory but you don’t know whether they’re going to get back there again.
“We have to make the most of the opportunity. We’re not going to make up the numbers and we have a chance to get to an All-Ireland semi-final.”
Tipp were outsiders against Derry in last Saturday’s qualifier at Kingspan Breffni Park and the bookies don’t fancy their chances next weekend either.
Kearns noted: “Galway are 2-5 and we’re 5-2. They’re hotter favourites than Derry were. They were 1-2 and we were 2-1.
“Galway were very impressive in Connacht and destroyed Roscommon but the question is how good Roscommon were.
“Galway were still hugely impressive and are scoring clinically in front of the posts.
“They’re very strong in the middle of the park, have a good system at the back and we’ve got to accept that we’re facing another tough challenge.
“We’re underdogs again but coming off the back of a very good performance against Derry, we’re going up there to give it everything we have.”
Kearns will watch this evening’s Bord Gáis Energy Munster U21 hurling final between Tipperary and Waterford as dual star Josh Keane, scorer or two points against Derry, lines out at Walsh Park.
And Kearns admitted: “It’s a very tough schedule for Josh. In fairness, (U21 manager) Willie Maher and ourselves have worked out it out fine and he’s performed well for both teams.
“We’ve got to trust that he doesn’t get injured because it would be a shame if he missed Croke Park.
“His attitude is top class and he’s listening and doing what he’s been asked to do.
“He’s only a young fella but by Jesus, he kicked two great points and caught a massive ball near the end when we needed it.
“His work-rate is excellent and he’s just a good player and getting better.”
Kearns is expected to announce the same starting team for a fourth successive championship game.
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
