Tipperary manager Liam Cahill gave credit to Westmeath for their performance as the one-sided contest some expected didn’t materialise at FBD Semple Stadium on Saturday.
“Delighted to get the result, obviously,” he began.
“It was a real spirited performance from Westmeath. We knew coming in that they pride themselves on real hard work. They were resilient all through the game, regardless of what type of a margin was opened up. They continued to stick to their game plan and work really hard. They were impressive at times.
“They asked a lot of questions of us, especially in the air, on our ability to win high ball and dirty ball in the air. They asked us a lot of questions and we missed a few chances alright but, in the end, just delighted to get out with the win with the way things were going down the home straight.
“It’s a good test but it’s still jumping out at us that we still haven’t perfected it or any way near it. It’s something we’re going to have to really work on before this League closes to have ourselves right for the Championship. It’s three from three but there’s a lot of areas that would give us concern.”
Cahill made fourteen changes from the win over Galway with four players making league starts with Jason Forde, Dan McCormack and Noel McGrath all featuring for the first time in the campaign.
“It was a good game to bring them back into,” Cahill added.
“They all needed it. No matter what work you’re doing on the training field, there’s nothing like match practice. With the intensity and the physicality Westmeath brought today, it was as good as three or four training sessions for them guys in particular.
“That was the objective. We were fortunate enough to be able to do that after our first two wins. It definitely answered a few questions for us as a management team around the shape of our panel going forward for the remainder of the League.”
The Tipperary manager confirmed that Mark Kehoe, who scored 2-1 in the first half, was taken off as a precaution at half time after jarring his knee but should be okay for the trip to Limerick on Saturday week, which should also see the return of Cathal Barrett who has yet to so far.
“He’s nearly ready,” Cahill revealed.
“Today was a little bit too soon for him but we’d be very hopeful that we’ll see Cathal Barrett in if not the next League game, definitely before the final round of the League against Antrim.”
This week will be another training week before focus shifts to the biggest game of the league schedule, against All-Ireland champions Limerick in the Gaelic Grounds on Saturday night week, which is sure to bring the best from both sides as the championship comes into view.
“It’s a League game but it’s going to be a big League game for both sides,” Cahill said.
“You look at Limerick as they’re progressing through the League as well, they’re starting to ramp it up. With the team they named against Dublin, you’re seeing a lot of their bigger names coming back into the fold. I’d say in two weeks’ time that’ll be a high-tempo, important League game in the Gaelic Grounds that both teams and managements will learn an awful lot from.”
