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Liam Cahill taking satisfaction in Tipperary's 'healthy position' for the season ahead

Liam Cahill and Galway boss Micheál Donoghue shake hands after the Semple Stadium clash
Liam Cahill and Galway boss Micheál Donoghue shake hands after the Semple Stadium clash

Tipperary hurling manager Liam Cahill says the county is in a "healthy position" with regard to the conveyor belt of talent of coming through in the county.

Cahill was speaking in the aftermath of his side's win over Galway in their opening Allianz HL Division 1A clash at FBD Semple Stadium.

Darragh Stakelum's 64th-minute goal carried the Premier to their 50th National League victory over Galway after a rain-soaked battle in front of 7,762 fans.

The Tipp boss, who has already presided over underage success with the blue and gold picked out newcomer Cathal O'Reilly for special praise, telling RTÉ Sport: "Cathal is no stranger to us all in Tipperary after coming up through the minor and U-20 grade.

"It was an early baptism for him tonight but he did really well and is definitely one for the future. Good to get him into proper senior hurling tonight."

Overall, it would seem that Cahill is happy with the collective he has ahead of Tipp's main goal for the year: defending their All-Ireland crown. Something the county has not achieved since the mid 1960s.

"It's well designed now to have everybody in good shape for April and the championship," he remarked.

"Nobody can have any excuse really. It's great to start off 2026 with a win here in Thurles and to have a big Tipperary following here.

"This league is ultra competitive and you can easily end up in trouble as one of the bottom two. There are some difficult assignments coming for us on the road and here in Thurles.

"Some of our lads are developing at different stages, a different pace. We have to be mindful and careful that we don't introduce them too soon.

"We're in a healthy position in Tipperary but it will take a bit of managing this year and into the future to make sure those players reach their full potential."

Cahill also singled out Jake Morris' contribution as he was named player of the match against the Tribes.

He said: "Jake Morris is a seasoned campaigner now, great player for Tipperary over the last number of years. It's only January but you still look for traits in a player and Jake is leading by example.

Indeed Morris is similarly enthused as to the potential of those coming through.

"Schools hurling in Tipperary is strong," Morris said.

"Nenagh are in a Harty Cup final again.

"We're in a good place and the Under-20s won the All-Ireland last year. We have good hurlers coming through keeping lads on their toes."


Watch Allianz League Sunday from 9.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on all matches on the RTÉ News App and on rte.ie/sport. Listen to Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1

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