TIPP PLAN TO APPEAL FORDE’S ONE-GAME BAN

TIPPERARY have confirmed that they will appeal against Jason Forde’s one-match suspension, which currently rules the Silvermines stalwart out of the Munster SHC quarter-final against Cork on Sunday week, WRITES JACKIE CAHILL.

And captain Pádraic Maher has revealed the squad’s determination to right the wrongs from their recent league final hammering by Galway.

Forde (below) had a proposed twomatch ban handed down for his league semi-final clash with Wexford boss Davy Fitzgerald reduced to one game by the GAA’s Central Hearings Committee (CHC).

But Tipp will bring their case to the next level, the Central Appeals Committee, as they look to have the versatile former minor and U-21 captain freed to play.

Maher, meanwhile, has insisted that Tipp will not be sweeping their league final rout “under the carpet”.

The All-Star half-back told Tipp FM’s Extra Time: “Since we came back in January, May 21 was in our sights all year but it was very, very disappointing what happened in the league final. We don’t want to sweep that under the carpet by any manner of means.

“There’s plenty of learning there for us, please God we can rectify that and put in a performance that Tipp supporters will be proud of against Cork.”

Maher is also targeting a Munster final appearance at a revamped Páirc Uí Chaoimh on July 9, a prospect that’s also exciting Cork supporters.

Maher pointed out: “Likewise, we’d love to be involved in the first Munster final down there, too. There’s plenty on offer and it’s a great opportunity for us to get the show back on the road.”

And while team manager Michael Ryan has expressed concern with the recent heavy schedule for his players, Maher insists that their “workload” is being carefully handled.

He said: “I think we’re well used to it. I don’t think it’s changed too much from any other year. The lads inside with Tipp are managing our workload very well.

“It’s about keeping fresh for the next two weeks, you want everybody firing on all cylinders on the day of the Cork game.

“We have very good lads managing our load, Paddy O’Brien (physio) and Brendan Murphy (team doctor). They know if we need to pulled back or let go forward. We’ve had a very busy schedule but please God everybody will be fighting fit come the Cork game.”