TIPPERARY DIDN’T PLAY “too badly” in last year’s Munster semi-final defeat to Limerick, according to TJ Ryan.
The Limerick manager feels the three-point victory was more to do with the quality of his county’s performance than a no show by Tipperary.
“I don’t think they played that bad in the Munster semi-final against Limerick last year. I think they probably had one or two chances that didn’t go their way.
“Into the second half they were playing quite well. You probably have to credit Limerick for finishing extremely strong. That was really good performance by them. I think it would be a bit unfair to be honest to say it was a poor Tipperary performance.”
Limerick shocked Tipp last June with a 1-18 to 1-15 victory before going on to win their first Munster title in 17 years. This year’s preparations were rocked though with the resignation of joint manager, at the time, Dónal O’Grady last month.
Two weeks ago though David Clarke, who like the manager is a former Limerick hurler, joined the backroom team as a selector – to the delight of Ryan.
“We obviously need to get somebody to help us out. This is a difficult job so the more help we can get the better,’ he said.
“He’s somebody with a bit of experience, especially on match day. Dave Clarke doesn’t need any introduction.
“Anybody who has seen Limerick hurling over the last 20 years knows exactly what he brings to the table so he’s a great addition for me, great addition for the team and great addition for the squad.”
Limerick failed to earn promotion form Division 1B of this year’s league, while they were comfortably beaten by Galway in the league quarter final in March.
“We don’t want to make excuses at the same time, but we had a good performance the first day away against Cork and I suppose, look, we would be disappointed not to have beaten Offaly,” said the man who won two Munster medals in his playing days.
“We were four points up, probably thought we had the game in the bag and it didn’t work that way. Our second-half performance against Galway was disappointing.”
Limerick fans though can be optimistic about Sunday’s semi final with Tipperary as a number of big names return from injury, including Seamus Hickey and David Breen.
“Through the League we were missing them long-term injuries and then sure we had the Na Piarsaigh lads in the All-Ireland club championship. Massive losses. Anybody who has seen Limerick play last year they are a big part of our organisation. All back in full training; Breen, Hickey and Declan Hannon.
“We have them back and it’s great to have them back.”
Unlike when the sides met at this stage last year, Tipperary will have the home advantage this weekend. Although TJ Ryan may have a few tricks up his sleeve to cause another, well earned, upset.
“I think anybody who follows sport in any code knows that home advantage is a help. That’s the bottom line. I seen them in the semi-final and final and we are trying to work on a couple of things that will help us.
“The league is gone now and it’s over and we have to try and work as hard as we can in the coming weeks to get a performance.”
