Nicky English has described Tipperary’s Munster football triumph as one of the most significant in its GAA history.
BY GERARD BROWNE
Nicky English has described Tipperary’s Munster football triumph as one of the most significant in its GAA history.
Speaking to Mike Finnerty on ‘The Mayo News Football Podcast’, ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland SFC semi-final, the six-time hurling All Star said he was in tears after his native county ended their 85-year provincial famine against Cork.
The blue and gold will now take on the Connacht champions at Croke Park, looking to avenge their 2-13 to 0-14 defeat to James Horan’s charges at the same stage four years ago.
In 2018, the sides also meet in a round two qualifier, which the westerners pulled away late on to win by eight points.
Despite being known for his ‘small-ball exploits’, English also comes from a strong football background, having represented the Premier at underage and winning an intermediate county championship with his club Lattin-Cullen in 1989.
The man nicknamed ‘God’ also stresses the importance of David Power’s outfit not getting caught up in the hype after their Munster success.
“For me, it was one of the two most significance victories Tipperary GAA ever had, along with winning the 1987 Munster hurling final,” states English, referencing the 16-year famine in the small ball code.
“After the match, it was very emotional listening to Conor Sweeney’s speech mentioning the names that kept the whole thing going and they were powerful images with Colin O’Riordan’s interview.
“A lot of these lads have a minor All-Ireland and came very close to winning another one at under-21 versus Tyrone, so they won’t be found wanting for the big-game experience.
“The biggest thing Tipperary have to do is park the Munster final and not get caught up in the euphoria and bandwagon of that victory.
“If they can do, arrive focused and win plenty of ball in midfield, then the forwards will cause Mayo problems.”
