REACTION: Kelly hoping big crowd turns out for camogie quarter-final in Croke Park next Sunday
Tipperary camogie boss Denis Kelly was happy with his side's win over Clare
Tipperary camogie boss Denis Kelly cut a contented figure after a third straight win, and continued the rehabilitation following a chastening opening round loss to Cork.
Mary Burke and Casey Hennessy shared the goals between them, and Grace O’Brien registered eight points, but Kilkenny will be expected to represent a stronger level of opposition.
“It was good to get a performance a get a good score as well,” said Kelly.
“Clare were that bit stiffer opposition than the previous two, so we’ve been improving gradually over the games.
“We got a bit of a knock-back with Cork at the start, but probably it was the best time to get it. We’ve been improving since so we’re happy enough with where we’re at.
“Kilkenny will be a big step-up again the next day but we’re looking forward to it. You need to get the test now, you’re coming into the business end of it so there’s no better team to give you that than Kilkenny
“Clodagh Quirke was a big loss to us, with the cruciate (her third such injury). We had lost Eimear McGrath (also with a cruciate) during the club campaign last year. They were two big losses but we have sort of gotten used to being without them now and the panel is growing together. These games have given us a great chance to give a good few girls game time, but we have a fairly solid team now.
“Through the League, we weren’t sure where we were at, with injuries and whatnot, but the games have helped us, and we’re hoping that will pay off when we play Kilkenny next weekend.
“It’s extra pressure being knocked out now, but we need to deal with that. It would be great to have a big Tipperary crowd, hopefully they’ll get in for our game next Sunday before the hurling semi-final.
“We haven’t had massive support this year with the way the Championship is condensed. There’s been a lot of hurling and the other games, which take the supporters out, but it’ll be different next week in Croke Park, so we’re hoping to put on a bit of a performance for them."