Cahill Proves Critics Wrong with Team’s Croke Park Return
Liam Cahill would have been forgiven if he paused for a quiet moment of satisfaction. Cahill proves critics wrong with team’s Croke Park return as Tipperary now heads back to the All-Ireland final for the first time since 2019 after a thrilling 4-20 to 0-30 win over Kilkenny. Just a year ago, Tipp had a tough season, finishing last in Munster with only one draw and a rough points difference of -36. They had won just one Munster match in Cahill’s first two years and were on a worrying slide for a big hurling county. When asked last year if he was still the right man for the job, Cahill, who had won two U20 All-Ireland titles, firmly backed himself despite doubts, and now, that confidence is paying off.
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The Players Step Up
After the win, Cahill praised his players for their commitment, saying they returned refreshed from club competitions and were determined to fix last season’s issues. He highlighted how the team, the coaching staff, and the county board are now working together to build a high-performance environment in Tipperary. Cahill admitted it was tough to steer these changes over the past two years, but he is excited to see them bearing fruit.
A Battle to Remember
The semi-final was intense, with Tipperary overcoming a late two-point deficit after Darragh McCarthy was sent off with 12 minutes left. Substitute Oisín O’Donoghue scored a crucial late goal, tipping the game in Tipp’s favor. Cahill acknowledged Kilkenny’s energy and pressure throughout, noting the game was filled with mistakes that kept the tension high. He commended his players’ resilience, especially their strong defense, and emphasized the importance of consistency as they prepare to face Cork.
Trust in Young Players
Despite McCarthy’s red card, Cahill expressed full confidence in the young player, praising his resilience and commitment. He also highlighted the vital contributions from the bench, especially Alan Tynan and Noel McGrath, who brought energy and calmness to the game. The support from Tipp fans was a major boost, with defender Michael Breen describing the deafening cheers throughout the match.
Building for the Future
This return to Croke Park was also valuable for the younger players, giving them essential big-game experience. Cahill noted that while Munster’s tight competition helped toughen the team, the difference between Munster and Leinster was minimal on the pitch. Looking back, it has been a challenging journey for Cahill and Tipperary, but now, they find themselves on the brink of All-Ireland glory once again, proving that persistence, belief, and teamwork can turn any season around.
