Ex-Tipperary manager Michael Ryan has hailed the "total hurling" of his former charges as the best the county has produced in a while.

At last, the long wait is over. As soon as last year’s championship ended, the pining for the electricity and excitement which super-charged all hurling people, and genuine sports lovers everywhere, had almost begun again. This season seemed like a lifetime away last August but now that the winter and spring and the tedious wait has passed, the championship has almost arrived in a blink.

Having scored four points in a row, Tipp were given a great opportunity to forge further clear as Robert Byrne’s clearance broke for Mark Kehoe, who did well to claim possession despite being outnumbered by Cork defenders.

First off, Tipperary won’t be as deficient as they were in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Similarly, Cork’s collective output won’t be at the same untouchable level that it was at on July 4. What you’ll find materialising will be somewhere in the middle.

Michael Breen would have started for Tipperary against Cork yesterday but for a freak injury which will rule him out for at least four weeks.

Stephen Barry picks out three takeaways after Tipperary snatched a draw against Cork in Thurles.

Stephen Barry picks out three takeaways after Tipperary snatched a draw against Cork in Thurles.

Michael Breen would have started for Tipperary against Cork yesterday but for a freak injury which will rule him out for at least four weeks.

Tomorrow marks the 10th national final in 10 years between Kilkenny and Tipperary, writes Enda McEvoy

Over the course of 35 years working for Ford in Cork, Martin G. Browne amassed a wealth of memorabilia.

With Kilkenny not exactly lighting up Cusack Park on Wednesday evening, it was left to Limerick to fire the first warning signal in the race for All-Ireland U21 glory.

Tipperary 1-21, Limerick 0-17: Of course it was unfair to expect Tipperary to click for a third consecutive game.

Tipperary 7-12 Galway 2-12

Tipperary 2-15 Clare 0-12: A pair of late goals sent Tipperary into the semi-final of the Munster Minor Hurling Championship at Cusack Park, Ennis last evening.

Munster MHC play-off - Waterford 1-20 Tipperary 1-17: Waterford minor hurling boss Stephen Gough got the response he craved from his team at Walsh Park on Saturday. 

Lismore (Waterford) 2-7 Sarsfields (Cork) 0-5

RECENT media coverage on the plight of the abandoned horses and the proposed cull of these misfortunate animals prompted me to write to your paper.