Padraic Maher holds possession. Photograph: Bridget Delaney

Any day you win is a good day

There have been many views to describe what we witnessed at Semple Stadium last Sunday.

Phoney war, Limerick didn't want to win it etc...however it belies the fact that when fifteen players from each side are put out on a pitch, nobody goes out half hearted and wants to lose.

From that perspective, Tipperary's win over Limerick has to be a positive as while the Shannonsiders can point to the fact they didn't perform and were a little sloppy, well so were the Premier County in some respects which sets up a mouth-watering repeat when the sides clash in the provincial decider on Sunday week.

Knowing how to beat Limerick will have added to Tipperary's confidence and there was a lot to admire about how they went about their business. Much like the Clare game, when Seamus Callanan goaled early in the second half, Limerick never looked like bridging the deficit of 4-5 points which isn't much in the game of hurling.

That continued element of control is welcome as Tipperary teams of the past have tended to suffer lulls in games but there was no evidence of it here, and it continued right to the very end where the endeavour of the Tipp forwards in turning over Sean Finn leading to Seamus Callanan's final point before the skipper then hooked Dan Morrissey which led to John O'Dwyer completing the scoring for the home side.

 

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