22 May 2012

The Premier County are currently on the crest of a wave having won the 2011 All-Ireland MFC and they are back in another provincial final at minor level this year.

While impressed by this unprecedented success, Kerry star Cooper says it will be very difficult to sustain that progress long-term in a dual county where hurling takes precedence.

Speaking before the counties clash in the Munster SFC at Thurles this weekend, the Dr Crokes dynamo says:

"Tipperary are making huge progress if you look at their minor success last year and their U21s.

"In a county like Tipperary, hurling is probably going to be always number one. They're going to be fighting a battle there.

"In counties like that, teams come along in cycles and you can be very, very strong for a couple of years and it might go back again a little bit.

"At the moment, Tipperary underage is higher than I've ever seen it. I could see them getting stronger but whether they can maintain that is the big question."

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Cooper questions Tipp longevity