21-07-2025
Shane McGrath: Tipperary must savour the moment
Thoughts of going back-to-back must be parked by Tipperary in order to truly appreciate All-Ireland success, says former player Shane McGrath.
The Premier County overturned a six-point interval deficit to run out comprehensive 15-point winners over a shell-shocked Cork at Croke Park on Sunday for a second Liam MacCarty in in half a dozen years.
The Rebels All-Ireland drought, which stretches back to 2005, continues for at least another year.
McGrath was on radio duties for RTÉ at Croke Park to witness a memorable day for his county, and says he is reminded of 2010 with the current fortunes of the Premier County.
Fifteen years ago he was part of Laim Sheedy's side that ended Kilkenny's drive-for-five, with a destruction of Galway in the U-21 decider a week later in Thurles adding to the feel-good factor in the county.
While McGrath feels the similarity between then and now is obvious, he argues that the huge expectation back in 2010 is at odds with the current hopes, with Liam Cahill's senior crop coming from the pack to seal an unlikely All-Ireland title.
"We just have to enjoy this for now in Tipp," he told the RTÉ GAA podcast.
"In 2010 I remember we won and a week later we won the Under-21 All-Ireland. This year we have won the Under-20 and senior, but there isn't the same talk that we were going to take over.
"Clare were All-Ireland champions last year and couldn't get out of Munster. Things don't always go your way. You might pick up injuries, you might not get the chance to get back there next year.
"The players need to enjoy it in the right way."
