By Rory Houston - @RTESundayGame
Tipperary’s Eoin Kelly has described Dublin as “mentally a very strong team” ahead of the meeting of the sides in Sunday’s All-Ireland Hurling Championship semi-final in Croke Park.
Watch Dublin and Tipperary (3.30pm), and the minor semi-final between Dublin and Waterford (1.30pm) live on RTÉ Two and RTÉ.ie/sport (Island of Ireland only).
All-Ireland champions Tipp are huge favourites to progress to another final meeting with Kilkenny against the injury-hit Dubs, who are looking to reach the decider for the first time since 1961.
After encouraging wins over Galway and Limerick, Kelly believes the Dubs have shown plenty of character this campaign, particularly against the Shannonsiders.
Kelly told The Championship on RTÉ Radio 1: “That was a massive game for them. Limerick clawed themselves back into the game after conceding three goals. But Dublin showed they are mentally a very strong team and they have the players to get the crucial scores at a crucial time.
“You must remember they have not only won the league but the Walsh Cup, their minors and under-21s have won Leinster titles so I’m sure there is a massive air of confidence from Dublin hurling.”
The Premier have been in sensational form on the back of their 2010 success, including winning the Munster title thanks to a seven-goal demolition of Waterford.
Despite such a top-class performance, Kelly thinks there can be more to come from his team-mates.
“There is always room for improvement for a team. The Championship as a whole has thrown up some right good games and battles. I think that is what is going to happen on Sunday.
“This stage of the Championship for both teams is a knockout game. This is our first knockout game. There is pressure on both teams and after getting this far both teams want to get to the final.”
After such a prolific showing in front of goal, it is hard to imagine Dublin stopping Tipp from creating chances in Croker on Sunday. Kelly is calling on Tipp to make sure they keep up their prolificacy to overcome Anthony Daly’s men.
“The important thing is guys have been playing as a team. The team work has been very good which has created those goal chances and opportunities and we’ve taken them.
“The way we look at the semi-final, if you get those chances hopefully you take them. We don’t give a damn if there are no goals scored once we get enough points on the board to get us over the line against Dublin.
“You have to be level-headed. You can’t look at them lightly. Semi-finals are there to be won and I’m sure Anthony Daly and Dublin will be looking at it the same way to win the game.”
