Hickey backs Tipp for replay

Limerick's Seamus Hickey celebrates. INPHO

Limerick's Seamus Hickey believes Tipperary will have the measure of Kilkenny in the All-Ireland SHC final replay.

The Murroe-Boher clubman faced both teams in this year's championship and was also in Croke Park last Sunday to see them fight out a thrilling draw.

"I think Tipp are going to take an awful lot from that game, a lot of heart from it," he said after receiving the Opel-sponsored GAA/GPA Hurler of the Month award for August in Croke Park yesterday.

"They didn't doubt themselves when a lot of people did and it's really stacking up now, their confidence is brilliant. I think they can better from last Sunday and I believe they will, and they'll want to be more clinical in front of goal.

"They have room for improvement."

Hickey found himself cheering for his former UL team-mates who were involved in last weekend's decider.

"I thought I'd be able to relax and enjoy it, but no. No, they had to serve up what they served up. I was barely on the seat, I pucking every ball - because especially when you've hurled colleges with some of the lads," the former Young Hurler of the Year continued.

"When Paddy Stapleton came up for the point at the end, I don't know what came over me but I punched the air. Bizarre! You see when you've hurled with these lads - and I've hurled with so many Kilkenny lads as well, like Kieran Joyce - you'd actually have an attachment to these guys and you'd love to see them do well. Then the excitement of the game takes over as well."