Gaelic Games

Tipperary can prove they are a coming force

Players coming through under-21s should be enough to see off Louth

Colin O’Riordan: was magnificent in last May’s under-21 All-Ireland final. Photograph: Donall Farmer/Inpho.
Colin O’Riordan: was magnificent in last May’s under-21 All-Ireland final. Photograph: Donall Farmer/Inpho.
Gavin Cummiskey
Fri Jul 10 2015 - 19:25

Tipperary v Louth

Semple Stadium, 2.45

Underage evidence suggests Tipperary are the coming force in Munster.

We’ve heard that before about similar counties who balance football and hurling. And despite the magnificence of Colin O’Riordan in last May’s under-21 All-Ireland final they still lost to a grittier Tyrone.

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When George Hannigan limped out of the Munster semi-final in Killarney it instantly gave Kerry a hold in midfield as all thoughts of a shock evaporated. Hannigan is gone for the season but Jimmy Feehan, Ian Fahey, Liam Casey and Kevin O'Halloran arrive from the under-21 ranks to make Tipp look as close to any outside contender.

Louth manager Colin Kelly keeps Conor Grimes in reserve, despite 1-1 off the bench against Leitrim, as he sticks to the same side that prevailed 1-16 to 1-11.

But O’Riordan and Fahey in midfield compensate for Hannigan and should provide enough possession to progress with some ease.

Verdict: Tipperary.

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey is The Irish Times' Soccer Correspondent