Leahy: Tipp must mark their territory
July 05, 2014
John Leahy
The Premier County could be in trouble if they fail to hit the ground running against Galway in this evening's All-Ireland SHC qualifier, according to three-time All-Star John Leahy.
The former selector believes Eamon O'Shea's players must give the supporters something to cheer about straight from the throw-in to get them on their side.
"I think the pressure on Tipp will be overwhelming because of all that's gone on in the last few weeks," he said to the Irish Independent.
"And, because of that, I honestly believe the crowd will be an important player. Because, if Tipp don't start well, with the negativity that has gone on, the anxiety will spread.
"The belief you should have when you pull on the Tipp jersey is missing, it's gone. And we are a difficult county from the point of view of expectation. We've got a very skilful team right now, all of them well able to hurl.
"But all I'm hearing from people is that 'Bonner' Maher is so vital. People are saying 'We need another Bonner!'
"That talk gathers momentum and it kind of becomes an issue. Because the truth is we haven't found another 'Bonner'. We've found loads of really skilful hurlers, but is that enough in this day and age?"
Leahy says it's time for the players to stand up and be counted: "They can get nice scores, but can they win dirty ball?
"Like I would ask the question is every player who has the ingredients to hurl for Tipperary getting that opportunity now? I don't think they are. In Tipp, we lose too many players.
"So those who have the jersey need to stand up. They're at home, they have to mark their territory. They need to want that ball more than Galway want it.
"But my concern is the courage that 'Bonner' has, I would say, is missing throughout the field. We need to change that in Tipperary. Win, lose or draw against Galway now, that's the bigger picture."
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