Tipp head to Salthill needing win

Tipperary travel to Salthill knowing only a win will keep their League aspirations on track for 2011. Galway have been in fine form of late, scoring an important win against Dublin last week in Parnell Park.

The Tipperary team shows three changes to the one that earned a credible draw against Cork last Sunday. Darren Gleeson replace Brendan Cummins in goals, John Coughlan takes the place of the the injured Paddy Stapleton and John O’Brien, sent off last week, comes in for Noel McGrath.

Tipp’s hopes of reaching the final are still theoretically possible, although results elsewhere must go their way to have a chance of advancing. Galway, the defending champions, will secure their passage to the final with a win, and will start as favourites tomorrow. The Tribesmen have been showing real signs of steely resolve this season, something that has been lacking in recent seasons in the vital close games. Tony Og Regan, Ger Farragher and Iarla Tannion in particular have been playing very well so far, and Tipp native John McIntyre will fancy his side’s chances of a victory on home soil tomorrow.

Declan Ryan’s team travel northwest with a reasonably strong side picked. Paraic Maher and Gearoid Ryan played well last week but up front, Tipp will need to produce the scores more consistently. Lar Corbett has not shown his dash of ’10 yet, although the current hurler of the year is just back from a foot injury.

John O’Brien did well when coming on as a substitute last week before being sent off for a second yellow card in an altercation with Eoin Cadogan. The Douglas man is developing a notorious reputation for himself as he consistently antagonizes his opponents into reacting to his rough-house antics. This is true in football also, as his last two opponents in both codes have been sent off whilst marking him in his full back position.

Tipp need a win, but Galway may well do enough to see them to their third League Final in four years.

Verdict: Galway

Galway vs Tipperary is live on TG4 @ 2.30, Sun. 3rd April. Ref: James Owens (Wexford)

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