By Shane Brophy
Tipperary’s schedule in this years Munster Senior Hurling Championship is as beneficial as they come, and their second mini-break following last Saturday's epic draw with Cork is timely ahead of refocusing for the two home games which will determine their short-term future.
The players were immediately in recovery mode on Monday evening as they took in the under 20’s Munster Championship defeat to Clare in Thurles.
The only injury concern out of the 2-25 to 4-19 draw with Cork was the hamstring injury sustained by Jason Forde which saw him withdrawn after just sixteen minutes. The Silvermines clubman winced after scoring his only point from play three minutes earlier and after consultation with the medics was withdrawn before more serious damage was done. It would appear his injury is only a minor strain, much like that of Cian Lynch for Limerick against Clare, with Forde expected to be in contention to start against Limerick in their next game on Sunday, 21st May at Semple Stadium.
In the immediate aftermath of the game on Saturday evening, Tipperary manager Liam Cahill issued a call for the Premier County supporters to be in Thurles in big numbers for the clash with the All-Ireland champions.
“We are very happy to get something out of Cork, to come to a full Pairc Ui Chaoimh and the Cork supporters behind the team the way they were, they were exceptional today, and in fairness to the small Tipp following they were brilliant as well.
“We were outnumbered today but the small Tipp following were exceptional, and I hope the Tipp following will now start believing in this team and pack out Thurles for when Limerick visit in two weeks’ time.”
It is expected that the 46,300 capacity of FBD Semple Stadium will be tested on Sunday week, such is the importance of the game for both sides in the battle to be in the top three come the end of the round-robin series.
Not only that, the curtain-raiser will be the Tailteann Cup second round clash between Tipperary and Down, with the Ulster side set to bring a decent crowd who likely be interested to take in a big Munster Championship game.
As things stand, the only tickets available online for the moment are the Town End and Killinan (Tipperary supporters) End terraces, however, the vast majority of stand tickets will go through the clubs over the next week, with the demand set to be as high as would be expected for a Munster Final or an All-Ireland Final.
