“We’re hoping now to push on and make an All-Ireland Semi-Final.” – Tipperary’s Orla O’Dwyer

Tipperary face Waterford this Saturday in the Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Senior Championship Quarter-Finals.

 

The game will be played in the famous Páirc Uí Chaoimh Stadium with throw-in set for 5.30. Tipperary come into the match after a dramatic draw in their final group game against Dublin which saw the Premier County take second place in Group 1 on score difference. Tipperary come into the game full of confidence despite the draw having won three of their group games.

 

We caught up with Tipperary star Orla O’Dwyer ahead of what promises to be an exhilarating clash:

 

Q. Tipperary have had a great start to the season, how would you describe it so far?

"So far, we’re really happy with how our season has gone to date, we had three great wins, a draw against Dublin and unfortunately, a loss to Cork but overall, we’re delighted at how we’ve gone as a team so far. There’s a huge amount of belief in this team and we believe that there’s a lot more in us and hopefully in the Quarter Final against a strong Waterford side we can show that.

 

"In previous years our destination to the Quarter-Final hasn’t always been in our hands due to score difference but this year it has been completely different, we won our games and as a result were rewarded with a trip to the Quarter-Finals and we’re hoping now to push on and make an All-Ireland Semi-Final."

 

Q. How has the team been preparing as you get ready to face a strong Waterford side?

"The team has been going extremely well in training in the lead-up to this game, training has been competitive as people are fighting for positions and that’s exactly what we want.

 

"I think we’re really starting to click as a group, communication and feel for each other is increasing week-on-week which is great.

 

"Obviously, Bill and the management are new this year, but they’ve been incredible. Players that are playing well in training are being rewarded with playing time and that’s the way it should go so that’s really helping to increase the intensity of training.

 

"We know how strong Waterford are as a team so we’re just preparing by focusing on getting the simple things right like touch, making sure our fitness is where it needs to be and getting the right nutrition in. I think if we look after the little things and we play like we want to play, we’ll hopefully come out with the right result on the day."