Lillis ready to go for Semple Clash
Tipperary manager John Lillis has told Camogie Reporter that his charges are ready to go and looking forward to welcoming Offaly to Semple Stadium this weekend.
The Premier County take on Offaly in round two of the All Ireland Camogie Championships in association with RT+ Sport this Saturday. Throw in at 3.00pm with live updates on RT+ Radio One and highlights on the Sunday Game.
“”Granted we had a good win, in the end over Dublin, but that will mean very little when we take on Offaly, who are a very good side and as well as that are a team who have been together for four years or more, so in that sense they have built up a consistent base. In addition to that they also have Joachim Kelly, an excellent manager and they certainly won’t lack for motivation.””
Lillis, who took charge of Tipperary Senior Camogie team following a stint managing the Tipperary U-18 side, is aware that Offaly will be smarting from last weekend’s defeat to rivals Kilkenny.
“”We cannot afford to be complacent. We got our campaign off to a good start and we want to keep that going. One of the main things on Saturday that we will be keen to cut down on is the amount of frees as Offaly have an excellent free taker in Elaine Dermody. Aside from that, we will be concentrating on playing our own game and getting the result we need.””
Lillis, along with his backroom team of Lenny Phillips (son of the late Biddy Phillips), Carmel Harkin and Hugh Coughlan, highlights the recent lack of game time, for the side as one concern.
“”Prior to coming into Saturday’s match we had a six week break through various club games and exam disruptions. It did affect the panel, so it was good to hit the ground running, while the round of games over the next couple of weekends will be excellent for the side.
The arrival of teenage star Sarah Fryday, along with the rejuvenation of ace forward Clare Grogan is a big boost to Tipp’s chances. Furthermore, the display of Jill Horan at midfield and Cora Hennessy on the æ40, is another reason for Lillis to be positive.
“”We have a number of players going well at the moment so it all helps. Nicole Walsh, who missed some of the league, is returning from injury while we have the likes of Cora and Sarah also going well. We are taking it one game at a time though.””
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