Proud Kingston won the tactical battle

Kieran Kingston mentioned on these pages last week the Cork management wanted a performance that would make them proud. After 20 minutes in Semple Stadium on Sunday, that had been achieved.

Cork went toe to toe with the All-Ireland champions and were holding their own. Precision, composure and patience — as well as huge work-rate and delicate skills — were hallmarks of their performance.

There wasn’t a whole lot between the teams at any stage but Cork’s work-rate was superior and after Tipp’s goal they responded immediately through Conor Lehane, who had 20 possessions, Cork’s highest. I have never seen him work as hard. Shane Kingston then pushed Cork in front again. Down the stretch, Cork dominated proceedings, showing very high fitness levels. Tipp lost their final five puckouts and the management may regret the loss of last year’s physical trainer Lukasz Kirszenstein, to Galway.