Maher gunning for revenge against Galway

Padraic Maher says Tipperary have a "massive motivation" to avenge their National League final humiliation by beating Galway on Sunday.

Galway are favourites for Sunday's All-Ireland semi-final at Croke Park after their 16-point league final win over Tipperary in April, but Tipp left wing-back Maher insists the All-Ireland champions will never perform as badly again.

"We want to prove we are never as poor as we were that day," Maher told the Irish Examiner. 

"It's going to be massive game for us and the thing about it is that you have to have massive motivation going into a game like thing because the last two years have shown there is nothing between Tipp and Galway when it comes to championship."

Maher believes Tipp need to get the basics of tackling and working hard for each right to stand a chance of beating Micheal Donoghue's side.

"You have to have your head screwed on and everyone has to be mentally right because if you are not you are going to get caught," he said.

"We are always going to be criticised after a result like that. The manner of the way we were beaten, we were well beaten. You are going to have to take it on the chin and move on. 

"Slowly but surely we are proving we are not all that bad that day and are getting back to where we want to be. We are by no means at that at the moment but we are very close.

"Once we get the work rate right and we get the tackle count right we feel our hurling will finish the job."

Galway goalkeeper Colm Callanan says last year's All-Ireland semi-final defeat to the Premier County proves the margins between the sides are very small.

Tipp edged past the Tribesmen and through to a final date with Kilkenny by just one point, thanks to late goals from substitute John O’Dwyer and John McGrath. 

"It was a case of they got two goals in quick succession that put them in the driving seat," the former All-Star said.

"When you look at that game, and the game before, for 70 minutes of hurling ball flying up and down the field, score one side, score down the other. And still there’s just a point in it, that’s all that separated us.

"You could look at it all day, but in two attacks you can wipe out a six-point lead and things land on their side on the day. 

"Last year won't be mentioned at all. It's just what's in front of us this year, and August 6th is all that will matter."

Photo Inpho/CathalNoonan

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