One of the most impressive aspects of Tipperary's decisive victory over Dublin on the opening weekend of the Allianz League was the performance of forward Gearoid O'Connor.
O'Connor hit 0-12 in Tipp's 2-27 to 0-20 victory in Parnell Park, as he continues his excellent form since breaking into the senior side during the 2023 season.
The Moyne-Templetuohy man made his inter-county debut in 2022, and became a regular of the matchday squad during the Munster campaign last year, finishing the season as his county's top scorer in championship hurling.
Judging by his performance in Dublin on Saturday, there are no signs the 24-year-old has any intention of slowing down for 2024 - and he is even balancing his inter-county exploits with a continued involvement in the Fitzgibbon Cup.
He lined out at full-forward for UL on Wednesday night as they eliminated UCC from the college tournament, scoring 0-08 (0-06 from frees) to finish as his side's top scorer.
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Tipperary youngster brilliantly sums up balancing Fitzgibbon and inter-county hurling
Mere days after appearing on the same Tipperary side which felled Dublin in Parnell Park on Saturday, O'Connor was on the opposite side to Darragh Stakelum for Wednesday night's Fitzgibbon Cup tie.
"Your soldiering along with them on a Wednesday & then come a Saturday or Sunday your going head to head trying to knock the heads off each other!" 🔥
Great stuff tonight from Tipperary hurler Gearoid O'Connor on playing Fitzgibbon & intercounty #hurling at the same time!! 💪 pic.twitter.com/shmsJNm3Cx— Stephen Gleeson (@StephenGleeson_) February 7, 2024
In his post-match interview after leading UL to a quarter-final victory, O'Connor discussed the bizarre experience of taking on his Tipperary inter-county teammates across the Fitzgibbon Cup campaign - as well as facing his college teammates when lining out for Tipp.
The forward went on to share his belief that it only adds to the beauty of the GAA's college competitions:
I suppose it's gas in a way. You're soldiering along with them on a Wednesday, and then come Saturday or Sunday you're going head-to-head trying to knock the heads off each other. The following Wednesday, you're going to regroup and play together.
It's a great competition. I'm lucky enough this is my third year playing. There's a few of us who've been here for three years now - the bond you have with these lads, it's gas when you do play against them with your counties because you have to take it seriously but, after the game, you'll have a bit of a laugh.
When you come together on the Wednesday or even the Monday for a meet-up, it's great. I can't speak highly enough of the competition, I've made so many friends for life. Even the opportunity just to play with some of these lads is great.
O'Connor's Tipp teammates will hope that he continues his rip-roaring scoring form when they return to action in the league against Galway on Sunday afternoon in Thurles.
Meanwhile, UL will face the University of Galway in the semi-finals of the Fitzgibbon Cup.
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