Tipperary senior hurling team manager Liam Cahill. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
By Cian O'Connell
Liam Cahill was satisfied with Tipperary's Allianz Hurling League Division 1A start against Galway at Pearse Stadium.
The Tipperary manager praised the emerging players in the panel as two points were pocketed in Salthill. "It is encouraging," Cahill reflected.
"Young Robert Doyle made his debut as well today, Conor Martin. It's really, really important that these players are coming through and are getting the opportunity, as I said, myself and the management team and the County Board, everyone that's aligned in this, know the direction we want to go."
Patience will be required according to Cahill. "I can't be sure what pace it's going to move at, but I know what direction it wants to go and it's a time now for big leadership in Tipperary and bravery as management and coaches and players and County Board," he added.
"That's what has to be shown and I think we have the players to really look to the future and today was a good starting point."
Tipperary host Wexford at FBD Semple Stadium next Sunday and Cahill is hopeful his collection of emerging and established hurlers can continue to deliver. "There'll be ups and downs in this campaign," he says.
"I think, the knowledgeable people that know the hurling landscape in Tipperary and know what's going on will understand that.
"We will meet bumps in the road that will create difficulty, but it's about patience now as well and I know that's not going to cut much slack with the impatient, less knowledgeable Tipperary hurling folk that are out there, but as I said, I'm very, very clear on where this needs to go and today is just the start of it really."
Cahill wants Tipperary supporters to back the new look team. "All I can say is that we are really trying hard behind the scenes, we really are," Cahill remarks.
"I mentioned bravery there earlier about the direction we're going and the change we have to make. I'd ask the Tipp supporters to be brave as well, to support them.
"There's not much bravery in going up to Croke Park every year over the last decade for semi-finals and All-Irelands and all that. They're easy things to do and I think regardless whether people believe in Liam Cahill and his coaching team or his coaching philosophy, these players will be around long after I'm gone.
"They're the catalyst to everything that gives us the joy that is being a Tipperary supporter so get in behind them, support them, and they'll respond, that I'm sure of."
