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Like his fellow Division 1 managers, Tipperary’s Eamonn O’Shea (pictured) believes the league this year is very competitive. The six teams are very close to each other at any time and all games will be competitive. There will be no easy game for any of the teams.”
“Because the five games come within a fairly short space of time, teams will have to have a good squad to get through and will have to use a lot of players because players will pick up knocks and injuries,” said the Galway-based, Kilruane McDonagh’s man.
“In one sense, it’s good that the games come so close together as managements will get to give competitive outings to many of the players in their panels.”
The NUI Galway official would prefer a league “with eight or nine teams of a good standard. Eight games would be better with promotion and relegation”.
Commenting on the return to the old league system where some rounds were played prior to the Christmas break, he recalled having played in the competition when that format applied.
“It was a long time ago and it was a very cumbersome format. As a player, you didn’t know whether you were at the end or the beginning of the competition. An eight or nine team group would be better.”
“Going on last year’s form, Kilkenny and Galway are ahead of the rest but there is not that much difference between the teams. The gap is very slight between the top teams. All the games will be very competitive and there will be matches that will throw up a surprise result,” the Premier County boss said, adding that a home game is important as gives an advantage.
Asked about Clare’s return to Division 1 he said, “It’s good to see Clare back in the top division and they will be really competitive. Look at the development of their team. They need not have any worries about any of the other teams and they will get results. Their development is good and they will be more than competitive.”
In O’Shea’s view, the league presents an opportunity to bring a few new players in.
“We haven’t seen the Thurles players yet because of their involvement in the club championship. In addition, there will be injuries here and there so the opportunity will present to bring in a few players to this level. We have enough to be competitive.”
O’Shea, who coached Tipperary to their last All-Ireland success three years ago when Liam Sheedy was manager believes that “one of the good things about the league is that all will be treating is as a serious competition, as they should be. It’s a premier competition, a really good one to win.”
Are expectations high in Tipperary and does he feel pressure to deliver now that he has returned after a two-year break from management?
“Pressure goes with the job and yes, there are always expectations where there are hurling followers. Being involved like this should be enjoyable as well and, so far, getting back has been good. I am hoping that we will be competitive and that we will perform and that it will be still enjoyable. I wouldn’t be there if I didn’t get enjoyment from it. There are always high expectations. It’s a way of life for a lot of people,” he concluded.
Tipperary’s league schedule
Saturday February 23, away to Cork
Saturday March 9, at home to Kilkenny
Monday March 18, away to Galway
Sunday March 24, away to Kilkenny
Sunday March 31, at home to Clare
