Introduction
Liam Sheedy and his management team step down from Tipperary SHC role after three years in charge. 2019 was the high point of his second managerial tenure with the Premier County as Tipperary defeated Kilkenny in the final.
Superb forward line and middle third excellence where the Maher’s were different class. However, the last two seasons have been disappointing, no point saying otherwise.
Disappointing championship runs
Two All Ireland quarter final exits to Galway and Waterford in consecutive seasons. Fresh faces in the lineup were required to inject legs and energy to the team but Sheedy and management stayed loyal to the core group. It did not pay off.
Liam Sheedy and management team owe nothing to the Tipperary county. The legacy of All Ireland SHC crowns in 2010 and 2019 will always be there but time for a new managerial team to drive this on and bring through underage talent to the senior ranks.
Talent is there but needs to be nurtured
Paddy Cadell, Brian McGrath for a start. Jerome Cahill nowhere near the starting lineup despite his superb exploits in underage ranks.
Craig Morgan and Mark Kehoe also come into the equation. Talent there but they will need time to be given their opportunity now in intercounty senior ranks. It will need time but it is required given the lack of pace in the side this season.
Who succeeds Liam Sheedy?
Liam Cahill ticks the boxes as successor but whether the county board would sanction the move is a different story. Cahill would want to shake things up fundamentally. Old guard will make way and more onus on senior players in the county on form than on established reputation.
Interesting times for the Premier County on their next managerial appointment. The one thing that is for sure is that this managerial appointment will not go outside the county. Let the intrigue begin. I would be surprised to see any white smoke from Tipperary county board until well into the Autumn!