Tipperary manager Liam Cahill has taken a random swipe at former Waterford boss Derek McGrath, ahead of a massive meeting between the two counties next Saturday.
Cahill cut a disappointed figure on Sunday after his side's Munster Championship opener ended in a big 2-27 to 0-18 defeat to Limerick.
He is now left to pick up the pieces ahead of that clash with Waterford at Walsh Park, where another defeat would see Tipp's hopes of progression to the All-Ireland series in tatters.
Afterwards, Cahill sent a clear message to his troops, telling them that changes will be made ahead of that game.
Liam Cahill vows to make changes ahead of Waterford clash
"There’ll have to be consequences after today," he said. "Some players, it just didn’t run for them, and they’re going to have to make way for the next fella to give them a chance.
"We have six days now to turn it around, turn the page and try and get out heads around what will be a very difficult assignment in Walsh Park.
“Again, our energy levels, I cannot understand it. We just seem to be that little bit off the pace. I’m looking in at a team that were just hurling in hope."
Cahill will have extra motivation to get one over on Waterford, having managed the Déise for three years in between his stints with his native county.
15 May 2022; Waterford manager Liam Cahill before during the Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 4 match between Waterford and Cork at Walsh Park in Waterford. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Cahill takes swipe at Derek McGrath
Waterford got their own Munster campaign off to a strong start with a win over Cork on the opening weekend and in praising his next opponents, Cahill brought up the words of another former Waterford manager in Derek McGrath, seemingly unprompted.
Cahill was the manager of Waterford in when McGrath declared they were the main contenders for the All-Ireland in 2022, only for then-League champions to not even get out of Munster.
"We’ve to bring everything that wasn’t there today," said Cahill. "We need to bring massive energy and aggression. Waterford are a very athletic team."
Up to 18 months ago, they were branded as the second-best team in the country. Their former manager [Derek McGrath] said whoever beats them goes up the steps of the Hogan Stand. That’s the reality of it.
“The same said person I haven’t heard sign nor light of him for the last 18 months, but that’s there, it’s in print. They are a serious team, and the players seem to have found their style that really suits them. And had it in an All-Ireland final, semi-final, National League title.
"They’re hurling on all cylinders. We’ll just have to be really ready to take them on.”
Cahill finds himself under growing pressure after a flat 2024 and no doubt his former charges will be hugely motivated this Saturday when Tipp turn up in Walsh Park.
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