Three things we learned from the weekend's hurling
By Peter McNamara
In times past, Seamus Callanan's consistency levels were often questioned by those within the Premier County and even in pockets around the country.
However, following a remarkably successful season last year, the Drom & Inch clubman seems primed for an equally productive 2015 with Tipperary.
During the Allianz NHL Division 1A opener against Dublin, Callanan was cocksure in possession and attempted to create and develop attacking plays via deft touches and flicks.
He worked off of a similar hymn sheet yesterday in Semple Stadium and Eamon O’Shea’s men benefited collectively.
Callanan was excellent
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Yet, it was his mindfulness and awareness in possession that really set him apart in Thurles.
His worth to Tipp is incalculable.
The express train that is Ger Cunningham’s
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Cunningham’s reconfiguration of the Boys in Blue is having the desired effect, thus far that is as Dublin have four points on the board in the league and head the top-tier of the secondary competition.
Granted, it would be difficult to argue the point that true form at this stage of the campaign is hard to gauge due to the circumstances surrounding their five-point victory over Kilkenny.
After all, Jonjo Farrell’s dismissal in the first-half was extremely harsh.
Still, it should not be forgotten either that Dublin had began the tie well as it was – Cunningham’s side led 0-7 to 0-1 in the early stages before the Cats gradually grew into the contest.
Nevertheless, with the likes of Peter Kelly at centre-back, for example, Dublin seem like a unit with immeasurable balance.
Clare prop up the Allianz NHL Division 1A table at present and that fact has not gone down well with the locals.
The people of the Banner County were frustrated
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However, that the Sixmilebridge clubman was the subject of excessive and personal criticism on social media is totally wrong.
And it just goes to show how fickle people on the outside of a camp can be.
It is one thing to criticise managers’ and players’ performances but to get personal is completely unnecessary.
Clare have been training “since late last November” as Davy Fitz said post-match on Leeside and it is surely only a matter of time before the Banner men click into gear.
And lest we forget, patience is a precious virtue.
