'This is such an important match for Tipp'
April 07, 2018
Kilkenny manager Eddie Brennan.
©INPHO/Ryan Byrne.
Eddie Brennan believes there is more at stake for Tipperary than Kilkenny in tomorrow's Allianz Hurling League final.
Tipp haven't won a league title in 10 years, while their recent record in Nowlan Park doesn't make for pretty reading either.
"Mick Ryan has to draw a line and really put it up to his players to say, 'We haven't won down there in a long, long time and they have come into our yard a few times'," the former Kilkenny forward told the Irish Daily Mirror.
"Winning a league has always stood Brian Cody in good stead and as a confidence thing, even a psychological thing. Kilkenny going into the championship with a National League win under their belt against Tipperary in a final would be a huge confidence boost and just maybe sending a little warning shot out to everyone else.
"But from a Tipperary perspective I think this is such an important match.
"Mick Ryan, here and now, has to put out his strongest possible team and I just think with where they're at, I'd never ever go against my own county, but in fairness and on the broader scheme of things Tipp look to be a bit further down the line and if Tipperary send out their strongest team, then I think Kilkenny have a big challenge.
"A challenge they will relish and a challenge that could be very, very important going forward."
