TIPPERARY MANAGER Liam Sheedy believes the National Hurling League has already served its purpose, whether they win or lose the final against Galway. Not that he's going into Sunday's game at the Gaelic Grounds with anything even approaching a defeatist attitude.

Sheedy was part of the Tipperary team that fell to Galway in the league final of 2000, and while they won the title the following year, just getting back into the final feels like something of an achievement.

"I'd be absolutely happy about the commitment I'm getting from the team," he says. "And this final will be ideal preparation for the championship. But irrespective of what happens on Sunday, I think Tipp can look back on the league and feel we've learned a lot about our team, and a lot about our panel.

"We just need to bring it on into the championship, because 1923, I believe, is the last time Tipp beat Cork down in Cork. That's the challenge we face in the championship on June 8th."

Sheedy has emphasised the idea that Tipperary's impressive form of late is largely down to their more thorough league preparations, although that doesn't fully explain the recent record: seven games, five wins, and two draws - including that unexpected semi-final win over Kilkenny.

"Well that has been a major factor, and the fact that we've more work done means that when it comes to the last 10 or 15 minutes of a game, we've a far bit in the tank. But that only comes about through hard work, and there's been a lot of hard work going on, since we got back together in mid-November.

"I've also said all along that if we're going to be competitive come the business end of the championship we're going to need two guys pushing for every place. The lucky thing for us is that players have come in and taken their chances. And I think that defence and midfield has given us the platform going forward, to allow our forwards get good quality ball.

"At the moment though we only have three of those recent successful minors on the panel. I think over time Tipp will be back up there as a force, but that level of expectation needs to be understood."

Several Tipperary players have said that Sheedy has put the "fun element" back into their hurling, although the manager is not exactly sure what they meant by that: "Well, there wouldn't be too much fun in it, not from where I'm looking anyway. But of course you want them enjoying the training, not getting stressed out about it. And again the enjoyment comes from the work they're putting in."

Meanwhile, the long-delayed Sigerson Cup final between Garda College and UUJ will take place next Tuesday at Carlow IT, with a 6.15pm start.

Finally, Jimmy Heverin, who guided Portumna's hurlers to victory over Birr in the All-Ireland club final last month, has been named Philips Sports Manager of the Month for March.