M9 - Can you exit at knocktopher and go to Callan

[polo1]

Hi
Just looking for advise - heading to Clonmel and wondering if the new M9 will help me as I want to avoid Abbeyleix if at all possible so just wondering if I go to Bagnelstown on the M7 and then go onto the M9 heading to waterford could I exit for Knocktopher and head cross country to Callan and onto Clonmel.
Am not sure where new M9 begins and ends so any advise welcome...
thanks

 

[Pee]

Dont travel that road much but if I was you I'd stick with the M7 to Portlaoise, join the N8 via Abbeyleix and then join the M8 to Cahir and finally the short trip on the N24 to Clonmel.

The journey from Banglestown on the M9 to Clonmel could take as long as the direct route, there can be some major tailbacks on this road too.