Bonnar opts for continuity as Tommy Dunne retained as Tipp coach

Tommy Dunne has been retained on the Tipperary coaching staff by new senior hurling manager Colm Bonnar. 

Former Wexford and Carlow manager Bonnar was ratified as Liam Sheedy's replacement last month.

Dunne had been a lieutenant of Sheedy's during his second spell with the Tipp hurlers, having captained the county to All Ireland success in 2001.

With another of Sheedy's coaching staff - Darragh Egan - having departed for Wexford, Bonnar felt it important to link regimes.

"I have been a big fan of Tommy since our playing days together," the new manager said, "And while I was keen to ensure some continuity to the set-up, Tommy is really excited about the new approach we have been discussing over the last number of weeks."

Also joining Bonnar's coaching ticket are Johnny Enright and Paul Curran.

13 June 2021; Tipperary manager Liam Sheedy, right, and selector Tommy Dunne following the Allianz Hurling League Division 1 Group A Round 5 match between Waterford and Tipperary at Walsh Park in Waterford. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Thurles Sarsfields clubman Enright was a Munster title-winner with Tipperary in 1994, and recently left his position as a coach with the Meath senior hurlers.

Bonnar revealed that Enright will be racking up the miles in his new position, "I am delighted with Johnny’s enthusiasm for the role and his fresh ideas will be a real asset to this team.

"Johnny’s commitment is all the more impressive given that he will be travelling from Kildare."

Rounding out Bonnar's staff is two-time All Star, Curran.

The Mullinahone man has also left an inter-county set-up, having spent 2021 as Antrim’s senior hurling performance coach. Curran has also coached Kilkenny club, O'Loughlin Gaels.

Bonnar believes he has the right mix among his coaching team, saying, "We have a lot of work still ahead of us, but this is a great start for me and I am very grateful to each of the lads for coming on board."

Meanwhile, Tipperary U20 hurling manager Brendan Cummins has added former Kerry manager Fintan O'Connor as coach, along with selectors Martin Maher (Borris-Ileigh) and Shane Stapleton (Golden-Kilfeacle).

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