Tipperary's Jason Forde has expressed his difficulty in identifying the reasons behind their collapse during last year's hurling season.
Tipperary emerged victorious against Clare in the opening round of the Munster Champions Cup and managed to secure draws against Cork and Limerick in the later weeks. However, their provincial group stage concluded with a six-point defeat to Waterford, leading them to face Offaly.
In the All-Ireland preliminary quarterfinal, Tipperary dominated Offaly with seven goals, setting up a clash with Galway. Unfortunately, Premier County suffered a 1-20 to 1-18 defeat in the quarterfinal, marking the end of their season.
While both Limerick and Tipperary faced challenges, it was John Kiely's Limerick that successfully overcame their struggles.
Forde, a key player for Tipperary, was asked about the reasons behind their setbacks but couldn't pinpoint a specific cause.
“It's hard to put your finger on one thing,” said Forde. “Probably a number of things come into it. We missed a few players against Waterford, trying to get those back to play against Offaly.
“We just didn't look to have the same sort of energy against Galway. For whatever reason that is, I don't know. You are just scratching your head. We just have to try and ensure that doesn't happen this year.
“The games in Munster are of huge intensity. They are massive.
“But the players are so well conditioned now; they have that bank of fitness, so I don't know if you can put it down to that—that the tank has gone dry.
“But for whatever reason, it just didn't seem to kick for us."
John McGrath, Seamus Callanan and Jason Forde of Tipperary celebrate at the final whistle ©INPHO/Donall FarmerTipperary's rivals, Limerick, aim for a fifth consecutive Liam McCarthy title. For others, the goal is to prevent Limerick from achieving the unprecedented feat of hurling, with only Kilkenny and Cork having won four-in-a-row.
Forde believes that Tipperary now possesses the fitness levels to compete with the defending All-Ireland champions this year. However, he acknowledges the importance of a strong start to build momentum in 2024.
“We got to a really good level that day, in fairness. We went toe to toe with them for the 70 minutes," he added.
“In previous seasons, we probably managed to sustain it for 55, 60, or 65 minutes—we played for a full 70 minutes below in Thurles. It was encouraging for the group to do that. Knowing that you have that capability within the group is a big thing.
“But this year again, you're coming into a round-robin for every game that's going to be huge. If you don't get off to a good start, you're going to be under pressure very early on."
The upcoming match between Waterford and Tipperary is scheduled for this Sunday, January 7, at Fraher Field in Dungarvan at 2 p.m.
