Even if there is a sense in Tipperary this weekend of stars aligning, of providence, of a full tide turning and of this being a cusp game for a special bunch of players, they will still have to go out and produce the game of their lives to bring down the All-Ireland champions.

Their growing confidence inside the whitewash is at long last being matched by their words off it; Tipperary football speak has never been so bold or assertive.

Longford manager Jack Sheedy is unlikely to opt for an ultra defensive formation when his charges attempt a giant-killing act against Leinster champions Dublin in Croke Park tomorrow.

This was a mad game of Gaelic football.

Eleven Irish players, including three members of the Kildare senior panel, are set to take part in an AFL trial event in London this week.