Tipperary All-Ireland Winners Back Playing Club Hurling A Week After Croke Park Glory

Just last Sunday, Liam Cahill's Tipperary sailed to one of the most sensational and dominant All-Ireland wins in recent years, hammering a much fancied Cork side 3-27 to 1-18 thanks to a robust second half showing.

Front and centre of the hurling masterclass was one of the county's great servants John McGrath, and 24-year-old goalkeeper Rhys Shelly.

30-year-old McGrath laid claim to 2 of his county's three pivotal goals, claiming a total tally of 2-2 on the day.

While Shelly's second half distribution proved his greatest impact on Tipperary's win, he also added plenty of flair, claiming a point of his own wearing number one, and repelling a late Cork consolation penalty.

Despite more than earning their time off, just six days after reaching the pinnacle together, the two men were faced off in the Mid Tipperary Senior Hurling Quarter-Final on Saturday evening.

There, Shelly assumed his position between the sticks for an ultimately victorious Moycarkey Borris, while McGrath donned 14 for his Loughmore Castle-iney.

JOHN MCGRATH🤩🤩

Fresh off his 2-2 in the All Ireland Final, he's back to where it all started, with the club👏👏

Hurler of the year pending??🤔

📺https://t.co/QU7uPhpQ4u pic.twitter.com/IowjclUdd4

— Clubber (@clubber) July 26, 2025

Much like a week earlier, Shelly was once again challenged with a late penalty, this time not from a Rebel but from his fellow Liam McCarthy winner McGrath.

While McGrath might be a shoo-in for hurler of the year, he too learned just how hard it is to deceive his number one, with Shelly repelling the 60th minute attempt and sealing a comprehensive 4-25 to 2-20 win for Moycarkey.

RHYS SHELLY DENIES JOHN MCGRATH🚫🤯

The man of the hour, Rhys Shelly saves his second penalty in a week to deny Tipperary teammate John McGrath from the spot🤩

📺https://t.co/QU7uPhpQ4u pic.twitter.com/MTrKvwqxwI

— Clubber (@clubber) July 26, 2025

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Speaking on Clubber TV after his side's win, Rhys Shelly wasn't shying away from the penalty save, revealing that some insider information from Tipperary training might have helped him repel McGrath's late opportunity.

The last three or four minutes we were seven points up, at the end of the day I was hoping he'd go the same way he goes in training to be honest and luckily he did.

While the All-Ireland winner was under no illusions that it was only intercounty players suffering from a long week of celebrating, he was far from convinced about the fairness of having to play again this Wednesday evening, when his side are set to take on Sarsfields.

We've to go again Wednesday, it's a bit tough on the bodies, probably a bit unfair. Some lads are cramping up there, trying to get ready for Wednesday again is going to be tough.

Shelly also felt sorry for his own teammate Kieran Cummins, and the two McGrath's who were all part of last weekend's All-Ireland winning side, empathising with how difficult a six day turnaround must have been for the outfield stars.

I probably didn't think about (the turnaround) until yesterday now, but it's mentally tough to be honest. I only play in goal here tonight, I feel sorry for Kieran Cummins midfield, Noel McGrath, John McGrath, all out there running around. If I was a bit under pressure there, I can only imagine how they're feeling.

Coming out here is tough on the body for a few of us, whatever about us being out, everyone in the county was out like, nobody was on a drinking ban last week.

With just a four-day turnaround for what will be Shelly's third game in ten days, the All-Ireland celebrations will have to take a backseat as he and his teammates prepare for more divisional action.