Tipperary's Ronan Maher pictured at the launch of the Munster Senior Championships. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
By Cian O'Connell
Valuable lessons were learned by Tipperary in 2023 so Ronan Maher is optimistic Liam Cahill's charges can make further progress in the coming weeks and months.
Tipperary face Clare in an Allianz Hurling League Semi-Final at Laois Hire O'Moore Park on Sunday. In the Munster SHC, Tipperary have a bye in round one before facing Limerick at TUS Gaelic Grounds on April 28.
During Cahill's first campaign in charge Tipperary enjoyed plenty of encouraging moments before a disappointing finish to the championship.
"There were a lot of positives and it’s hard to put your finger on exactly what happened," Maher reflects. "But what you can do as a team and as a squad is take learnings out of it.
"That’s what we hopefully did and we think we’re going fairly okay in the league. There’s lots for us to improve on and it’s all about focusing on the championship going forward, and being fine for April, May. That’s what you’re ultimately aiming for, to be primed and ready for Munster championship."
Injuries to Séamus Kennedy and Eoghan Connolly have disturbed Tipperary's championship preparations. “It’s really tough, two injuries especially Seamus who’s going to be a big loss, but hopefully Eoghan is going to be okay," Maher says.
"Yeah, it’s kind of a collective, isn’t it? It’s the workload and just the time of the year, but it’s really unlucky as well. It’s to be expected in sport with the workload that we’re going through.
"I think every team suffers a small bit. It’s something we have to deal with as a team and as a squad and that’s why we have the depth in the squad and we have good young lads there and a good depth this year.
"So, hopefully somebody fills in the position and we’ll move on, but it’s really tough on Seamus. You’d feel really sorry for him."
Not having a versatile player such as Kennedy available will impact Tipperary. “He can play in any position, which is really good for us," Maher adds.
Tipperary's Ronan Maher in Allianz Hurling League action. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
"He’s a strong character in the dressing room as well so we really fill for him at the minute and like that we have to move on and someone else has to fill in."
Another absentee in 2024 will be the prolific Séamus Callanan, who gave distinguished service in the blue and gold jersey before retiring.
“He was one in a million, he was very good," Maher responds. "Seamie was unbelievable to score and finish goals. Thankfully, we have great forwards up there at the minute who are very good at finishing and that’s been shown in the league.
"It’s all about carrying it forward and goals win matches and they’re not easy got nowadays with the way teams set themselves up. It’s something you need to be going after."
A key aspect according to Maher is the manner in which backs must try to retain possession. “It is important," he says. "Distributing the ball is very important and holding onto possession is important. Defending is a big part of it and if you don’t concede goals, you’re always giving yourself a great chance of winning a game.
"You see the skill from backs in general now. The game has changed so much and everybody is very good at distributing the ball and holding onto the ball. If you’re inter-county, your standard has to be up."
Thurles Sarsfields clubman Maher acknowledges that carrying out different roles is vital. “It’s huge," Maher replies about versatility.
"Obviously, with Seamus (Kennedy) now somebody else is going to have to slot in. That area, the middle third of the field, you have to be really athletic now as well and it’s a pretty crowded place.
"All of those lads are well capable and it can change depending on who you are playing so you have to be able to play in every position. For example, me going to full-back – that could be any player so you have to be able to adapt and change."
Maher is always ready, willing, and able to embrace a challenge.
