REACTION: Winning start for Tipp minors as Woodlock seeks improved performance going forward

Pleased with the win but not altogether happy with the performance – manager James Woodlock’s verdict on his charges four points win over Clare in round one of the Electric Ireland Munster minor hurling championship at Semple Stadium last Friday evening.

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In a high-scoring encounter before 2,287 spectators, Tipperary made the running most of the way but timely goals for Clare and Tipp’s failure to capitalise on at least three gilt-edged goal chances, meant that the contest went down to the wire before the Premier boys emerged victorious on a  4-20 to 3-19 scoreline.

Seeking to regain the title won in 2024 after a disappointing year last year when no win was registered, the Drom & Inch man commented: “It was important to win our first game and we got that win. I was happy the way we fought in the game. 

“We had setbacks but we got going again and when we had further setbacks we again got down to it. That was good to see. Clare are a quality side and have a lot of quality up front so it was good to get the win.”

He added: “We missed at least three goal chances. Our execution was poor in some instances and that is something we will have to be working on. I was happy with the win but not with some aspects of the performance.”

The manager pointed to the fact that for many of the team it would be their first experience of Semple Stadium and playing in front of a big crowd. 

“Some of them would never have experienced this before. It is a great test of lads so young and they will be the better for it when the come to play Cork there in the next round”, he said.

“For management, it all about developing young players and bringing them through to be their best and to be able to represent their county, and ultimately it is the county that benefits. 

“We have 36 lads who all want to play and that is a great position to be in. It is our job to help them to be their best and to bring them through”, he added.

Next up for Tipperary is a clash with Cork at Semple Stadium next week and the manager is under no illusions about the task facing his team. 

“Cork are a really good side and are fancied in this championship so it is not going to be easy but I am happy with our boys’ attitude and we will be better for this game tonight”, he said.

Tipperary have no game this week but after the Cork game in Semple Stadium, Tipperary are away to both Waterford, the All-Ireland champions, and Limerick, with a second home win crucial to qualifying for the knockout stages.

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