'We will need a huge performance,' said Woodlock ahead of Tipp minors hurlers' Munster opener

Tipperary minor hurling manager James Woodlock believes his side are primed for the challenges ahead as they prepare to open their Electric Ireland Munster Minor Hurling Championship campaign against Clare GAA this Friday evening in FBD Semple Stadium.

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After weeks of preparation disrupted at times by poor weather, Woodlock is satisfied with where his panel stands heading into championship action.

“Preparations have gone well. Look, the weather hasn't been too kind to us but the work and endeavour of the group has been really honest. We're ready now for championship and look forward to it.”

As is often the case at minor level, Woodlock and his management team have had to balance county commitments with the continued demands of schools hurling. With Tipperary schools enjoying sustained success in recent years, more recently Nenagh CBS in the Harty Cup, managing player availability has become a familiar challenge.

“I'd like to think that we've played a huge part in that. A lot of players have passed through our hands since 2022 so with all the 17-year olds, they go on to pass through the schools.

"It's just part of it when you're involved with underage teams. You're preparing them to negotiate the jigs and reels with the schools and, thankfully, its been good for Tipperary hurling that all these players are getting an opportunity to go on and represent the county.

"I don't really care what club they come from. If they're good enough, they should get the opportunity.

"I suppose it's probably the hardest age group to manage because it's up to us to find the players, bring them in, develop them and get them ready to go forward and represent the U20s and beyond. And I think if you go through the figures from back the years, we are doing that.”

Tipperary enter the campaign with a blend of returning players from last year’s panel and emerging talent progressing through the underage pathway. While the county’s development squads continue to produce promising hurlers, Woodlock is keenly aware of the step up required at provincial level.

“We always have good talent in Tipp. It's just about fostering and nurturing it. It's an extremely competitive environment at minor level.

"Our development squads are going very well, but when it comes to minor, there's no comparison to be made when it comes to intercounty Munster championship hurling.

"It's our job to open their eyes as to what is coming at them in the heat of Munster championship. We are making sure that they are physically and mentally ready.”

Standing in their way on Friday night is a Clare side that defeated Tipperary in the opening round of last year’s championship and went on to reach the All-Ireland final. That result, coupled with Clare’s returning experience, ensures there will be no shortage of focus in the Tipperary camp.

“It is about momentum. If you can get on that roll early on, it absolutely does help. It helps the players in relation to confidence. But at the end of the day, the Munster championship is a marathon.

"You get a couple of bites at the cherry and you have to make it count. Obviously, we'll be going into Friday looking for a result but we're under no illusions about the challenge Clare will pose.

"They've an awful lot of talent left over from the team that got to the All-Ireland final last year, and up to that, they had some excellent games on the way.

"I think they have nine players available that played in that Waterford final last year, so they will be ready for the battle.

"We will need a huge performance to get over this Clare team on Friday night," he finished.

With championship intensity looming and a formidable opponent first up, Woodlock’s side will be looking to lay down an early marker in Thurles as their Munster campaign gets underway.

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