Tipperary defender Robert Byrne was delighted with his side’s performance in the 3-13 to 1-16 win over Cork in the All-Ireland U21 Hurling Championship final on Sunday.
The Rebels held a one-point lead in injury time when substitute Conor Stakelum pounced on a Cork turnover before driving towards goal and slipping the ball past Ger Collins and into the back of the net.
The goal proved to be decisive for Tipperary as they held on to claim their first All-Ireland U21 Hurling Championship since 2010 when Pádraic Maher captained the Premier county to an annihilation of Galway.
Byrne was understandably ecstatic with the win over Cork and said that self-belief ultimately drove Tipp over the line.
“It was unbelievable. We knew coming on here that it was always going to be a tough battle against Cork, especially after the last day but we believed in ourselves and I think that is the main thing.
“We focused on ourselves toda and turned out champions and we’re fucking delighted! Delighted!”
Laoch na hImeartha Robert Byrne ó @TipperaryGAA
Cluiche den scoth aige!#HurlingToTheCore@TippFM @officialgaa @ballsdotie @nemetontv pic.twitter.com/G8zWNp2PHc
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) August 26, 2018
Byrne said after the match that the playing group took some time off following the Munster final loss to Cork and that their response to training was ultimately the difference this weekend.
“We took a week away after the disaster down in Páirc Uí Chaoimh,” said Byrne.
“We sat down with ourselves and got around each other and training since then has been immense. Everyone bought in and you could say that there was five changes made but the other 19 that didn’t get on could be just as good as us.”
