LONG READ: Tipperary well behind the curve as the season is moving alarmingly fast

Our wretched recent record against Limerick continues. Worse still, this was a new low, equalling our worst margin of defeat-ever in the league at the hands of our neighbours. A sobering weekend then for the defending All-Ireland champions.

As ever I’m indebted to Seamus O’Doherty for digging out the stats. The relevant game was actually detailed in Saturday’s match programme. Back in December 1934 Tipperary played Limerick in a league game at Rathkeale. It was a different era and different style of hurling. Tipperary led at half-time by the amazing score of 0-1 to nil. It finished 5-2 to 0-2 for Limerick in front of 4,000 spectators.

It was the Mick Mackey era, a golden one for Limerick. Over 90 years later, another All-Ireland-winning era for the Shannonsiders and another 15-point trimming for Tipperary in the league. Not the most attractive parallel to recall but it’s the reality we have to face this week.

This one was done and delivered by half-time. Limerick were simply rampant in the first half, exhibiting the type of power play that earned them five All-Irelands in the past decade. They choked the life out of Tipperary with wave after wave of aggressive mauling, producing endless turnovers. We couldn’t cope.

The middle third of the pitch was a green zone as they swarm-tackled every Tipperary possession. We hadn’t the energy or legs to break free, everything was rushed and Limerick just gobbled up possession before clipping over points at will.

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The details are painful to recall. Eleven minutes passed before our first Darragh McCarthy point from a free. By then Limerick had seven on the board. Over 33 minutes had passed before Noel McGrath delivered our first flag from play. Limerick had 19 points by this stage.

It looked a total mismatch. We trailed by a baker’s dozen at half- time, with 14 of Limerick’s tally of 20 points originating from turnovers. That stat alone sums it up. Limerick just outworked, outmuscled and outhurled us all over the pitch. The score figures might have been worse but for a marvellous block by Joe Caesar on Darragh O’Donovan’s goal chance.

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Any comforting items from the first half that we could dwell on? I guess the three goal chances we created offered a glimpse of what might happen on a different day. Sean Kenneally, who wasn’t even in the match-day 26 for the All-Ireland final, carried the only forward threat in that opening half.

After just 11 minutes Kenneally rattled a shot off the timber work and later in the half he plucked one from a forest of hurleys to win a penalty. Unfortunately, Darragh McCarthy drilled it wide. In between there was a clear goal opportunity when substitute Darragh Stakelum was set free but Nickie Quaid dashed off his line to smother the chance. When it’s not your day it’s not your day.

Goals were part of Tipperary’s currency last year; their value should never be underestimated. We scored nine goals in our six rounds last time, several of them crucial to match outcomes. This year, if you exclude the five against Offaly, we’ve only managed a single green flag in three matches versus Galway, Cork and Limerick. The goal drought is symptomatic of our difficulties.

The second half on Saturday was always going to be about damage limitation and even that modest aim became problematic once Willie Connors collected an immediate red card on the restart. This could now become a real horror show but the side did up the ante somewhat for the second period.

Limerick continued to dictate terms but Noel McGrath’s 0-6 input was exceptional. His leadership on and off the pitch remains invaluable. Otherwise, the Tipperary credits were few. Not conceding a goal was positive, though it was in the context of Limerick happily clocking up a record points total. A large point accumulation has always been their calling card under the present management.

Cathal O’Reilly looks remarkably composed on the ball at this level; it belies his age and inexperience. It should be remembered too that half of the All-Ireland defence is still missing from the team and Jason Forde was a major absentee from attack.

However, I wouldn’t overplay that card. Limerick too were missing significant names and many of our All-Ireland heroes were well below requirements on Saturday. When Liam Cahill afterwards expressed his disappointment at the level of fight and spirit shown, you know that this week is going to be tough in training. We’re well behind the curve and the season is skipping along alarmingly fast.

A league match in February won’t define the year but, nonetheless, the evidence can’t be ignored either. We were sluggish on Saturday, hurling well off the Limerick pace. Ratcheting up the tempo now becomes an imperative with two difficult games ahead. Essential too will be the return of injured players.

Clare’s difficulties last year began with the league and carried through into the championship. It’s a path we won’t wish to replicate.

Elsewhere last weekend, Waterford were decidedly unlucky to lose to a late Cian Kenny point in Nowlan Park. Leading by two entering the home stretch, they looked to be in pole position but the hosts somehow dug out the win. It was typical Kilkenny – not at their best but still doing enough for an unpretty win.

The Deise’s game this weekend against Galway at Salthill will be crucial for both sides. Offaly seem destined to remain pointless but who takes the drop with them is the only issue. Four points wasn’t enough to avoid relegation last year and probably won’t be this time either. At present four teams are on four points so the battle has still to be won and lost.

Finally, this weekend’s Congress at Croke Park will deal with a menu of motions, some of which have been referenced in this column previously. The Central Council proposal to extend the inter-county playing season into August is one of the more controversial. It’s encouraging to note different counties, and individuals, coming out strongly against the suggestion, though the views of many more are yet unknown. Victory for the motion would represent a further assault on the clubs. Let’s hope it fails.