NOEL McGrath was the star of the show at Semple Stadium yesterday as Loughmore-Castleiney qualified for their first Tipperary SHC final since 1998 (the only time they’ve lifted the Dan Breen Cup) after a dour battle with pre-match favourites Nenagh Éire Óg.

WELL BEATEN at the same stage by the same opposition last year, this was sweet revenge for Nenagh Éire Óg in this Tipperary senior hurling semi-final at rain-sodden Semple Stadium yesterday.