What was it they said about that second album syndrome? Tipp manager Michael Ryan stormed to a rousing All-Ireland success in his first season managing Tipp. Year 2 has not gone to plan. And being reminded again and again how Tipperary don't know how to cope with success this winter, Ryan now finds himself facing a full-blown crisis with the qualifiers looMing.
Following a humiliating defeat in the League final to Galway and a dismal loss to an inspired Cork side on their own patch 10 days ago, Tipp have reportedly axed All-Star cornerback Cathal Barrett from the panel following an alleged 'disciplinary breach' following a team meeting at training this evening.
In BREAKING NEWS Tipp FM can confirm Cathal Barrett has been dropped from the Tipperary Senior Hurling panel. #tipperary #gas
— Tipp FM Sport (@TippFMSport) May 30, 2017
The news was first reported by Pat Nolan at the Mirror, who said another anonymous Tipp player has also been warned about his conduct. The decision to drop Barrett from the panel is intriguing since it was unlikely the Holycross player would feature again in the Tipp team until the All-Ireland quarterfinals due to the injury he suffered against Cork.
The news comes amid a gathering chatter of disharmony in the Tipp panel.
Barrett has been arguably the best defender in Ireland since he broke into the Tipp senior squad three summers ago and was named Young Hurler of the Year. He'd already left a massive gap to fill as Tipp seek to turn their summer around in the qualifiers.
It will be interesting to see if he features again this summer.
All in all, fun times for Mick Ryan.
