Kilkenny arrogance? Eagle-eyed Tipperary fans spot 'best of luck' to Cats in the 'final'
The neighbouring counties are preparing to do battle in Sunday's All-Ireland senior hurling SEMI-FINAL in Croke Park.
Kilkenny arrogance or just an old sign? Eagle-eyed Tipperary fans spotted that the "best of luck" to the Cats sign that was vandalised by a Tipperary supporter or supporters and is doing the rounds on social media is wishing them luck in the "final".
Tipperary North and Kilkenny North-West TD, Michael Lowry, described the actions of those who defaced the sign wishing the Kilkenny team the best of luck against Tipperary on Sunday as "the behaviour of mindless vandals".
The sign, located in Urlingford, has been daubed and smeared with red paint that reads "Up Tipp", and the presumption is that this "childish behaviour was carried out by a Tipperary supporter or supporters", said Deputy Lowry.
However, some Tipperary hurling fans have been quick to point out that the sign wishes the Cats best of luck in the "final".
One said: "Kilkenny are in a semi-final, not a final, someone playing tricks."
Another added that the picture is in fact "years old" and it's trying to "stir controversy before the weekend".
"Whoever did this is not a true GAA supporter," said Deputy Lowry in a statement on Wednesday evening, "no genuine supporter would behave in this way. They should hang their head in shame for bringing this kind of behaviour to the game".
"There is huge excitement in the build-up to this game, as there always is when these rival teams meet on the pitch.
"There is also the usual banter between the two counties, it’s all part of the build-up and enjoyed by the followers of both counties. It symbolises the great rivalry between the two and the huge respect that they have for each other.
"Every Tipperary supporter I have spoken with has expressed disgust at this and rightly so," he said.