Waterford beat Tipp two years ago in the final game when Waterford were already out but Tipp needed something (well they would have done had Limerick and Cork drawn which very nearly nearly happened) so I imagine Tipp would be only too eager to return the favour this time.
Waterford at least have a 15 day gap before that compared to Tipp’s 8. That six day syndrome really took the physical and energy edge off them when they needed it tonight. It kills clear headed thinking and on a tight pitch you really need clear headed thinking as space is at such a premium.
In 2023 Waterford had 15 days rest compared to Tipp’s 7 before that last day clash while obviously Waterford were fresh last week with Clare coming off the back of a furious fight with Cork.
You really can’t overstate the value of freshness in this format.
It’s why I wouldn’t be going overboard on Limerick after this game. They did what they had to which to be fair is all you need at this stage but we didn’t learn anything at all about them*.
I’d agree that Waterford faded second half and seemed to run out of ideas as well. The 6 turnaround a factor there, for sure. I’ve no doubt if they match was next weekend though, it would be the same outcome.
Tipp have shown enough in the two matches - even in the Cork game where they were, well maybe not impressive, but at least showed pride not to take a total shellacking, that they have the ability to throw a spanner in the works.
That could even be against Clare, a match where you’d give them a puncher’s chance if Clare are off it. Tipp have to give everything in that match though and that’ll take it out of them for the Waterford game, especially if they lose in Ennis.
Conversely then, Clare will have 15 days before playing Limerick while Limerick will have only 7 after playing Cork.
So if Clare manage to get any win over Tipp and Limerick get into a draining war with Cork which they narrowly lose, then the freshness advantage suddenly switches back to Clare over Limerick.
I think the six day turnaround was harsh on Waterford but I thought we looked good. Individual and team form ticked up a few notches across most of the pitch and players returning to fitness.
As you should be, the greatest team ever isn’t gonna lie down without a fight.
I’m giddy at the thought of the face off in two weeks, hopefully we’ll get the weather and a classic
Did he come on? I was a bit disappointed to only see him sauntering on in injury time last week. Is this worth watching back? I tried to avoid the score but unfortunately overheard it in conversation.
Neil Montgomery and Calum Lyons probably biggest omissions. If they had Lyons instead of Leavy and Montgomery instead of Curran they win that game today.
The jury is out on both adjudicators after they placed a transitional Tipp team way too high in the rankings despite witnessing the league final. You can’t place them above Kilkenny when there’s a 90% chance Kilkenny will be in an All-Ireland semi-final.
Gleeson is carrying pups in front of him and is an embarrassment as a current inter-county player.
He’s one of these clients, like Bubbles Dwyer, who has quick wrists and fuck all else to contribute to a team, but gets lauded by simpletons. I suppose others carried the fat Tippo to a couple of chape All-Irelands, but these fellows have no shelf life other than the top shelf life.
Gleeson will be standing, beside Bubbles, behind a rostrum on whatever iteration of GAAGOPLUS exists in 2 years time.
