1.
Sean Hayes (Kiladangan) Taken off at half-time during the Munster Hurling League opener against Waterford back in early January, Hayes looked to be out in the cold having failed to feature since then in any capacity. His performances in the club championship last year had many Tipp supporters excited about what he could bring to the county team in 2024, but circumstances in the last month have seen Hayes fall back in the pecking order but Cahill looks to be giving him his chance now as he starts the Westmeath game at wing-forward. The athleticism and power the Kiladangan man possesses are unquestionable, but he needs to add that finish quality and the ability to make the correct use of the ball as he missed a few guilt-edged chances in his last appearance for the Tipp seniors. He needs to put in a good display on Saturday and hopefully he will.
2.
Joe Fogarty (Moneygall) This is Fogarty's second year on the panel and maybe it is slightly harsh to have him in the last chance saloon category, but he has yet to make a big impression during his time at senior level for Tipperary. He is a firm favourite of Cahill's from his time at the underage level but he has yet to come close to nailing down a regular place on the team with consistent performances, even during the early season competitions. He is named on the bench again for the Westmeath clash on Saturday and - sooner rather than later - he needs to start justifying his selection to nail down a place on this squad which is ultra competitive currently.
3.
Mikey O'Shea (Mullinahone) O'Shea would have been hoping to get a chance to make an impression this weekend before the cull was to take place, but he looks to be one candidate in real danger of being cut early. He had a few chances to make an impression during the Munster Hurling League but a lack of impact coupled with an injury picked up against Kerry looks to have derailed his chances for this year. A huge pity for the former football panelist who had a fantastic club campaign in 2023.
4.
Conor Whelan (Mullinahone) Another of the Mullinahone contingent that looks to be in danger of an early release from the Tipperary panel for 2024. Like O'Shea, he had a few chances in the early season competitions and a flurry of challenge matches before Christmas to impress but he just seems to be missing that bit of pace required for this level. Not included on the match day panel for Westmeath, Whelan may be put into the development squad with a view to next year as age is still on his side but he could be in trouble as regards involvement for 2024.