There is something special about Munster Hurling Final day so Liam Sheedy is thrilled to have a central role in the southern showpiece once again.
Returning to the Tipperary hotseat was a challenge, but the blue and gold team have responded in to the Portroe clubman’s promptings this summer.
Four wins on the spin in the group stages confirm Tipperary’s class, but a demanding decider now awaits against Limerick at the LIT Gaelic Grounds.
“It is a very, very special day,” Sheedy told Tipp FM. “I lost two as a player, but obviously we got two in 2008 and 2009 when I was manager. It is a big day in the GAA calendar, one we cherish and we are delighted to be in there.
“Now that we are in there we are going to bring the best possible performance we can. We know we are facing formidable opposition, but from our point of view we are really happy with how preparation has gone. We are really happy with the commitment the lads have given and we are just looking forward to getting out there.”
Compared to a decade ago when first in charge of the Premier County is there any significant difference managing at an elite level of the game?
“If anything I'm much more comfortable,” Sheedy says. “I have been here before the big days aren't days I haven't experienced before. These are the days I love, the days we live for. To have the honour and privilege of managing your own county, getting to walk out on the sideline, trying to support these guys, to get them to deliver a performance is something I relish and really looking forward to.
“We are going to embrace the day, going to go do all we can for our proud county. We know exactly the opposition we are facing, they are a formidable team. That is the beauty of the Munster Championship. Anywhere you go in this Championship you meet top class opposition.”
While the Tipperary attack has flourished in 2019 Sheedy stresses the value and importance of sheer hard work. “I think any time you are winning people are reading all into the philosophies, but the reality is this is just a really good bunch of players that are working so hard over the last seven months,” Sheedy states.
“That has allowed them get to a good level on the pitch, we still feel at times we aren't happy with the level we have got to. We still can improve on our discipline, we still can improve on our work ethic in parts of the game and our conversion rate.
“We still have areas to work on and will continue to work on, but it isn't for the want of trying. This bunch is really committed and working really hard.
“For anybody who makes the venture from Tipperary to support these guys I can guarantee one thing these guys will give everything they have for the county and for the jersey. We can't ask for any more.”