Michael Ryan’s loaded comments should have the hurling world buzzing for the qualifiers

“Tipperary are going to dominate. There’s no stopping the Premier County for the next few years.”

This is exactly what the Tipperary public, and it must be said, many of the hurling world thought after Tipperary’s 2016 All-Ireland triumph.

Tipperary hurling supporters are a fickle sort. If the team is struggling, the supporters will be on their back like no other. If the team is flying high, by God their supporters will let other the other counties know all about it.

The same boasts were circling around the Premier County after their 2010 All-Ireland triumph.

2010 was a year in which Tipperary’s squad was backboned by under-21’s who went on to demolish Galway in the All-Ireland final the following week.

2011 culminated in a disappointing four-point loss for Declan Ryan’s men in the Liam MaCarthy decider. 2012 was humiliating. A 18-point loss against the Cats at the semi-final stage.

Supporters called them bottlers, called them disappointments.

Tipp’s ‘golden generation’ finally fulfilled their undoubted potential in 2016 with a long-awaited and much heralded triumph over Kilkenny.

“Finally, Tipp are going to dominate again,” boasted many Tipperary supporters.

Tipperary haven’t won in their last four competitive games now. The sharks are circling.

Tipperary manager, Michael Ryan was speaking to Tipp FM when he revealed his eager anticipation for the qualifier draw. The Tipp men will be like hounds ready to be released.

“Our time in purgatory is nearly served. We’ll get to compete on Saturday week. We don’t know who the opposition will be yet, the draw is on Monday morning and we wait with bated breath,” said the Tipperary manager.

Ryan emphasised his disappointment at Tipperary’s losses to Galway and Cork among others, but according to the Upperchurch club man, Tipperary aren’t a beaten docket yet.

Tipp’s hurlers ‘time in purgatory is nearly served.’ https://t.co/UcybLeWleP via @TippFM

— Tipp FM Sport (@TippFMSport) June 21, 2017

They’re working hard and their gunning for the qualifier draw.

“Yes, of course, we’re very disappointed with how, number one, the start of the championship went for us and obviously the conclusion of the League.

Those were both defeats that certainly hurt us, in particular, the management and players because we work really, really hard. In particular, the players who just give and give,” added Ryan.

In what is one of the most open hurling seasons in recent years, Ryan’s Tipp are ready to pounce.

“And do you know what? I did say this last September, straight after our great win in the All-Ireland, that 2017 was going to be an incredible year for hurling. And isn’t it exactly that,” added Ryan.