1. This is still a team in transition Cahill has been saying it all along, and the league really drove it home. There’s been a huge turnover in the panel, with close to 20 new players brought in over the past year. Significant experience for the likes of Cathal O'Reilly and Stefan Tobin highlight Cahill's willingness to introduce these talented youngsters. That was always going to come with a bit of inconsistency. A lot of these lads are still finding their feet at this level, some only in their first or second season, and that showed at times across the campaign. The flip side is that there’s a real freshness about the group now, more energy and competition for places. But the understanding isn’t fully there yet, and that’s something that will only come with time. READ NEXT: Tipperary Live player ratings - Tipperary vs Kilkenny in National Hurling League - Round 7placeholder image
1. This is still a team in transition Cahill has been saying it all along, and the league really drove it home. There’s been a huge turnover in the panel, with close to 20 new players brought in over the past year. Significant experience for the likes of Cathal O'Reilly and Stefan Tobin highlight Cahill's willingness to introduce these talented youngsters. That was always going to come with a bit of inconsistency. A lot of these lads are still finding their feet at this level, some only in their first or second season, and that showed at times across the campaign. The flip side is that there’s a real freshness about the group now, more energy and competition for places. But the understanding isn’t fully there yet, and that’s something that will only come with time. READ NEXT: Tipperary Live player ratings - Tipperary vs Kilkenny in National Hurling League - Round 7

REVIEW: Five things we've learned from Tipperary's National Hurling League campaign

Enda Treacy
By Enda Treacy

Sports Editor, The Tipperary Star

Published 26th Mar 2026, 17:33 GMT

Tipperary's National Hurling League campaign came to an end on Saturday last

2. Their scoring threat remains potent At their best, Tipperary looked like one of the most dangerous attacking sides in Division 1A. Tipp registered a scores for total of 169, only two points off Limerick and five off Cork. Jason Forde led the way, hitting 3-10 against Offaly and finishing the league with 3-26 overall. Jake Morris and Darragh McCarthy weren’t far behind, both chipping in with 1-19 across the campaign. That scoring power was there right to the end as well, with Tipp putting up 2-27 against Kilkenny in the final round, Morris and McCarthy grabbing the goals. When that forward line gets going, they can put up big numbers on anyone. The All-Ireland final starting forward six didn't start one league game this year, so if they can get fit and right, it will add more cohesion too. READ NEXT: Tipperary Live player ratings - Tipperary vs Kilkenny in National Hurling League - Round 7

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2. Their scoring threat remains potent At their best, Tipperary looked like one of the most dangerous attacking sides in Division 1A. Tipp registered a scores for total of 169, only two points off Limerick and five off Cork. Jason Forde led the way, hitting 3-10 against Offaly and finishing the league with 3-26 overall. Jake Morris and Darragh McCarthy weren’t far behind, both chipping in with 1-19 across the campaign. That scoring power was there right to the end as well, with Tipp putting up 2-27 against Kilkenny in the final round, Morris and McCarthy grabbing the goals. When that forward line gets going, they can put up big numbers on anyone. The All-Ireland final starting forward six didn't start one league game this year, so if they can get fit and right, it will add more cohesion too. READ NEXT: Tipperary Live player ratings - Tipperary vs Kilkenny in National Hurling League - Round 7

3. Defensively leaky at the other end of the pitch On the flip side, the defensive stakes have been far less impressive, with Tipperary having the second-worst defensive record in Division 1A, only ahead of Offaly in the wind-up. Cahill was not happy with the concession of the three goals against Kilkenny, and while you could put it down to rustiness with Ronan Maher only playing his second game at full-back since surgery, it is a concern, especially with a potent Cork coming up first in Munster. READ NEXT: Tipperary Live player ratings - Tipperary vs Kilkenny in National Hurling League - Round 7

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3. Defensively leaky at the other end of the pitch On the flip side, the defensive stakes have been far less impressive, with Tipperary having the second-worst defensive record in Division 1A, only ahead of Offaly in the wind-up. Cahill was not happy with the concession of the three goals against Kilkenny, and while you could put it down to rustiness with Ronan Maher only playing his second game at full-back since surgery, it is a concern, especially with a potent Cork coming up first in Munster. READ NEXT: Tipperary Live player ratings - Tipperary vs Kilkenny in National Hurling League - Round 7

Related topics:Tipperary GAALimerick GAAAllianz Hurling LeagueFBD Semple StadiumLiam Cahill
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