DON'T STOP BELIEVIN'

The struggle was real for Tipp star McGrath, but he says he never gave up hope of finding his spark once again

- BY KARL O'KANE

JOHN MCGRATH never doubted his ability, but he did doubt whether he'd scale the heights he once did with Tipperary.

McGrath, who turned 31 last month, hadn't started a Championship game for two years going into this year's Munster first-round encounter with Limerick.

The three-time senior All-Ireland winner, who made his Tipperary Championship debut in 2016, was frustrated at his lack of game time in the League.

But he was realistic enough to see that 38 players were gunning for Championship places and game time — and to admit that the chance was there to prove himself every week in training.

McGrath says it was his job to make it “so that they really have to pick you.”

His struggle for form went back a long way. Continuous long seasons with Loughmore-Castleiney in both codes may have been a factor.

McGrath holds eight county medals — five in football and three in hurling — including a remarkable three doubles: 2013, 2021 and 2024.

He spoke to Liam Cahill about what he needed to do and the feedback was honest.

“I never properly doubted myself,” said McGrath as he collected the PwC Player of the Month award for July.

“I probably knew it was there, but I just couldn't figure out how to get it out.