PREVIEW: 'We’re all realistic, we all know the pecking order in Munster' said Tipp selector

Consistency is something that is strived toward for every sports team, in any sport, playing at any level and the Tipperary senior hurling team has been crying out for that after a porous few years.

Declan Laffan has been a part of Liam Cahill’s backroom team since the Ballingarry man took the reins in late 2022 and in that time, it is fair to say that it has been a struggle for the players and management alike to gain any semblance of momentum and consistency.

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“We were very eager to get a level of consistency to our standards of performance and our consistency in selection in the league, and I think we achieved that,” said Laffan about Tipperary’s positive league campaign.

“There were probably ten or more players who have played in almost every game and we still have used 30 players in the league, and I know most people wouldn’t be able to think of seven or eight of them. Most players have got a few minutes, so it’s good and great preparation.

The infusion of youth to the tried and trusted has added a different flavour to the group on and off the pitch according to Laffan and from what he has seen from the youngsters, the future of Tipperary hurling is in good hands.

“We have a mix, we still have a few of the older guard, Noel McGrath, and John McGrath and Ronan, who are scarcely touching 30, it seems like they are around a long time.

“We have four or five of the Under 20s in the squad, and the Under 20 team is the minor team that won the Minor All-Ireland three years ago, and we won the minor last year, so hopefully the future is bright and there will be more pickings from those teams to come through.

“It is important to mind them and not over-extend them too early. Absolutely, you don’t warn to burn out guys, you see a lot of injuries from workloads, even in other counties. It’s too many games, too much training, it has to be tailored properly.

The league final was a disappointing final note for all involved but it shouldn’t take away from what has been a positive league campaign for the group, with a settled spine and lots of newcomers putting their hands up for selection.

“We’re all realistic, we all know the pecking order in Munster, and if we’re being honest, I don't think too many will be putting us in the top three,” Laffan said honestly.

“We have to really focus on ourselves, and not worry about the outside noise, and try and get the games that we feel we need.”

Speaking about the disappointment of 2024, he said, “Last year was a tough season, there’s no point in painting any other picture. There was a lot of soul-searching.

“We addressed it reasonably quickly after the season finished and banged heads together, and really put a huge commitment from top to bottom across the management team to go after huge improvements.

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“We put a lot of time and detail into trying to discuss it and figure out exactly where we needed to get to.

“Hurling-wise and probably emotionally, absolutely, this time last year we had come a cropper against Clare in a league semi-final with what was a dismal performance.

“I don’t know. You are always looking for the small margins to help you improve. I would like to think we have found some, we’re not foolish enough to think we are anywhere near the finished article.”

He continued, “We know where we are in the pecking order in Munster and it’s up to us to see can we get up and try and make it to one of the top three places.

“Unfortunately, we were a long way off it last year, and things didn’t work for us, but look, our form in the league has been good.

“At the end of the day, we will be judged on the championship, and the league will be forgotten about, win or lose if we don’t get out of Munster,” he finished.