OPINION: Premier Harty Cup hurling renaissance buoys the county after senior loss to Cork

It was almost the perfect hurling weekend from a Premier County perspective.

January it might still be, but with Cashel Community School and Thurles CBS both winning their TUS Dr Harty Cup semi-finals on Saturday to set up a first all-Tipperary decider and with Liam Cahill’s charges surging to a six point lead with four minutes to go against Cork in the Co Op Superstore Munster League Final in Páirc Uí Rinn on Sunday, it seemed as though all was going swimmingly for the county.

But, despite the fact that their supporters were leaving in their droves, Cork got a shot in the arm and trumped Tipperary to the tune of 1-5 to 0-1 in those closing minutes to claim the silverware.

“For long periods of the second half we looked to be in control, but it is typical of Cork in that you can never write them off and they hurled right out to the end,” Liam Cahill said after the game admitting too that Cork introduced more established players to help see them through.

“It’s a little disappointing to lose the way we did, but at the same time it is another good learning day for us,” he added while also claiming that there was a lot to like about Tipperary on the day. Tipp, he said, have gotten a lot from the Co Op Superstore Munster League, all told.

“The three matches have been of big benefit to us - superb really and we can look forward now to the league in two weeks time,” said Liam who added that quite a few players have been given game-time in the three matches.

While admitting that the intensity levels might be slightly less than league fare, Liam was happy that the players coped with the physicality and was pleased with the fact that John McGrath has returned to the pitch after a long personal journey through injury to get there.

Liam described as ‘a good complaint to have’ the headaches associated with picking a half back line - the trio of Enda Heffernan, Pauric Campion and Man of the Match, Brian McGrath in fine form on Sunday, but there are a number of other players who will also come into the reckoning.

“We have a few good challenges coming up in the league now as well and there will be a lot of questions asked throughout that. They will be coming rapid as well so I am sure that will sort itself out by the time championship comes about in April,” said Liam who admitted that he is a fan of the pre-season competitions which are a big help when it comes to integrating players.

Back to the Harty Cup though. Thurles and Cashel’s march to the final allied to the success of the Tipperary minors winning the All-Ireland and the Challenge Cup team doing likewise in 2022 would suggest that underage hurling in the Premier County is in a very strong position.

There had been rumblings in the past about the effectiveness of the development squads and how much they are ultimately contributing to Tipperary. Well, on the evidence of the last six months there appears to be a very strong supply line of players coming through - the key now is to manage them appropriately and ensure that their development continues.

Harty Cup fever has well and truly gripped Thurles, Cashel and the many surrounding parishes this week as the Thurles boys bid for their ninth title- a first since 2015; Cashel a first in their first final appearance (as Cashel CBS) since 1973.

This final will really capture the imagination and with Thurles having won so convincingly after overcoming a stern early test of their credentials; and Cashel having had to dig out their victory with a performance of real heart and commitment to the cause, there is sure to be a big attendance at the decider.

There are a lot of uncertainties when it comes to second level hurling but one thing is certain - the Dr Harty Cup will rest within the confines of the Premier County for the 17th time for the next year.