Tyrrell: 'I don't see Kilkenny using a sweeper'
Paul Flynn and Jackie Tyrell pictured at the launch for Avonmore Protein Milk Vanilla launch at Croke Park.
By Cian O’Connell
Significant tactical analysis surrounds the contemporary game, but Jackie Tyrrell doesn’t think Kilkenny will ever use a sweeper.
“I would say no, but who is to know? I don't think it is the Kilkenny way,” Tyrrell replied when asked had Kilkenny worked using a sweeper system at training.
“You play to your strengths, I don't think a sweeper is Kilkenny's strength. It might be for other counties and that.
“I suppose there is a lot of talk out there about sweepers, but nobody was really giving out about it when Clare did it in 2013. When they won an All Ireland with it, there was nothing said about it. Waterford won a league title, there was nothing said about it then. It only seems to be in the last year.
“You can see the reasons why (you'd use a sweeper). I know the games aren't as exciting, but I don't know what the answer is. I don't see Kilkenny using a sweeper or going down that road.”
Tyrrell is adamant that the manner in which Kilkenny are able to funnel players back is sufficient to frustrate opponents.
“I suppose other teams pick one person as a sweeper. We would probably say we put all of ourselves there. It can be so amazing if a half forward runs 10 yards to pick up a midfielder's man.
“If you do that you can have so many bodies back. That is the way we work it, Brian puts emphasis on that work rate, that desire, that intensity to play for the team, to be in the right position. I can't see that changing.”
