Jake Morris backs rising stars and hails veteran Noel McGrath as Tipp’s driving force

Jake Morris has praised Noel McGrath for continuing to deliver standout performances for Tipperary, describing the veteran as a “fine wine” who only improves with age.

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McGrath remains a central figure in Tipp’s campaign, and Morris is optimistic that a new generation of talent is also ready to shine.

This year, Darragh McCarthy, Oisín O’Donoghue, and Sam O’Farrell have all featured at senior level for the Premier County. The trio also played key roles in securing the All-Ireland Under-20 title with a win over Kilkenny.

Reflecting on their success, 26-year-old Morris said, “Getting another good day out down in Nowlan Park and winning an All-Ireland, it’s great for the boys, it’s great for the county.

"They’re back in with us now with All-Ireland medals in their back pocket, and they’re fresh and confident. It can only be a good thing.”

The future looks promising beyond the U20s as well. Tipperary’s minor team also captured All-Ireland honours last year, overcoming adversity with two red cards in their final against Kilkenny.

Morris continued, “Look, we’ve great hurlers coming through. It’s hard to say we will reap the rewards from it, it’s just about really being conscious and working hard and putting your best foot forward all the time.

“I think we do have the right structures in place at the moment to allow us to maybe let some of the young fellas flourish in the next few years.

"But there’s no shortage of hurlers in Tipperary, and we just have to go one step at a time and stay doing what we’re doing.”

While youth is offering fresh momentum, experience remains vital—particularly in the form of Noel McGrath. The three-time All-Ireland winner is the longest-serving player on Liam Cahill’s panel, currently in his 17th senior campaign.

He has featured in all of Tipp’s Munster SHC matches this year, helping them secure a top-three finish in the province.

Morris had high praise for his teammate, “Noel is worth so much to us inside there. He’s so good with all the younger lads, so good off the field. He’ll give you his last bit of energy.

“He’s just such a good lad to have around the dressing room, and then you can see what he does on the field. He’s like a fine wine. He’s getting better.

"A really, really important player for us, and he’s going to be again this weekend. He’s been such a good hurler for Tipperary over the years, and he just continues to give and give and give.”

After a disappointing 2024 campaign where Tipperary finished last in the Munster Championship, they have bounced back strongly. Wins over Waterford and reigning All-Ireland champions Clare, along with a draw against Limerick, point to meaningful progress.

Barring an unlikely upset by Laois, Tipperary are on course to face Galway in the All-Ireland quarter-finals. Still, Morris is keeping his focus on the immediate task.

“We can’t look past Laois now, and that’s me being totally honest with you,” he stated.

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