Now that I have stated how Kilkenny are great and all that, I have to clarify that I love my county and the group players that represent our Premier County each year. I in no way envy Kilkenny’s success or anything; I wouldn’t be a true Tipp man if I did. That’s not what our rivalry is built on. I am confident in Tipperary and feel they are constantly on the rise since they quenched a 9 year drought when Eoin Kelly lifted the Liam McCarthy cup in 2011. The up and coming Tipperary scene also looks promising with competitive minor and under 21 teams being produced each year. It looks like some top quality hurlers have the potential to be developed in to All Ireland winners at the top level.
Kilkenny’s senior hurlers have been the face of the hurling world for the past decade. Since 2005 Kilkenny have won an astounding 8 All-Ireland hurling titles having featured in 9 out of the past 11 finals. As a passionate Tipperary supporter myself it really does break my heart to see them winning so much (I’m sure every other Tipp fan feels the same) considering the healthy rivalry between the two counties. But, I have to admit, Kilkenny’s record, not only in the past decade but overall, is very impressive. They have lifted the sacred Liam McCarthy cup an outstanding 36 times, Cork trail them by 30 titles and Tipperary placing third with 26 titles.Any GAA fan would be lying if they said they didn’t admire Kilkenny’s ability to keep coming back each and every year with the same quality standard, the same desire and the same will to win. But what is separating them from the rest? Is it Brian Cody and the management? Under age development squads? Or the championship structure for Kilkenny club hurling. I’m sure they all have a part to play in the counties success but it couldn’t create this unstoppable force they have surrounding their team.
Now that I have stated how Kilkenny are great and all that, I have to clarify that I love my county and the group players that represent our Premier County each year. I in no way envy Kilkenny’s success or anything; I wouldn’t be a true Tipp man if I did. That’s not what our rivalry is built on. I am confident in Tipperary and feel they are constantly on the rise since they quenched a 9 year drought when Eoin Kelly lifted the Liam McCarthy cup in 2011. The up and coming Tipperary scene also looks promising with competitive minor and under 21 teams being produced each year. It looks like some top quality hurlers have the potential to be developed in to All Ireland winners at the top level. I’d shift Marty Morrissey for a chance to hurl in a County final! Like everything in this life nothing comes easy. Some of the sacrifices that any hurler would have to make in order to help achieve his dream would make any non-sporting person question their sanity. Picture yourself about five months from now on a cold, blistery night in January. While most people are settling in to watch “Coronation Street” or “Reeling In The Years” with a cup of tea and few custard creams, the championship campaign is starting for all the clubs around Ireland. This means cold nights, heavy running, lots of weights, getting sick and contemplating whether or not you are right in the head! So is it really worth it? The sacrifices, the pain, the emotions? If you’re not part of the G.A.A. culture, then probably not, but for those who are, I have no doubt you would do worse.
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