Davy Fitzgerald has backed Tipperary to give Kilkenny a real test in the All-Ireland Hurling Final, which will take place on 5 September in Croke Park.
Tipperary defeated Munster champions Waterford 3-19 to 1-18 in the All-Ireland semi-final, impressing Deise manager Davy Fitzgerald.
Speaking after his team’s defeat, Fitzgerald said, “We saw last year that they can test Kilkenny. Tipperary are a good team and their fighting spirit was evident there again.
“They probably timed their run well. It’s very hard to keep a run going all year and now they’re starting to hit a good bit of momentum.”
He was particularly impressed by the Tipp defence, adding, “I thought the Tipperary defence was a lot tighter, which was a big plus for them, and they’ll need to keep it that tight the next day.
“The better team won without a shadow of a doubt. I’ve no complaints whatsoever. Tipperary were better than us and tactically they were better than us.”
Tipperary will now face a Kilkenny team going for an unprecedented 5-in-a-row, in a repeat of last years final.
The ball will be thrown in at 3.30pm in Croke Park on 5 September.
