Mixed start for Tipperary Footballers

There is no doubt the people of Tipperary live and breathe hurling as their number one sport. The achievements of the Senior and U/21 hurlers last year were rejoiced thoroughly throughout the county and deservedly so. It had been 9 long years since the seniors brought Liam McCarthy back to Thurles in 2001, and an even longer wait for the U/21 crown which was way back in 1995. However, the footballers of Tipperary deserve an honorable mention also.

The standard at club level in the county continues to rise dramatically year on year. The fortunes of their League campaign to date has been somewhat mixed, with a hard fought win over Limerick followed by a narrow loss to Louth in Drogheda last weekend.
Tipp face a difficult game again this Sunday in Semple Stadium against an improving Westmeath team.
Tipp’s did well to ground out a 0-10 to 0-06 win over Limerick and, but for two late points from All-Star Paddy Keenan last week, could have come away from the Louth game with a draw or even a win!
It’s no coincidence the fortunes of Tipperary Football have improved with the arrival of Kerry native John Evans. He joined the set-up in 2008 and led The Premier men to two successive league promotions from division 4 to division 2 before being relegated to division 3 last year.
Tipp have also enjoyed notable scalps in the championship also, most notably a one point win over Laois last year in Thurles.
Exciting young players like Barry Grogan and Philip Austin make Tipp a tough opponent for any team and, while in broad terms an All-Ireland or even a Munster Championship title may seem an unrealistic target, the future of the game in the county certainly looks bright indeed.

Tipperary vs Westmeath in Semple Stadium, Sun. 27th Feb @ 2.30.  Referee: Padraig O’Sullivan (Kerry)

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