Christy O'Connor: How can Tipperary break the damning pattern of history?

Since Tipp last won successive All-Irelands in 1964-’65, they’ve never got to grips with that task of retaining the Liam MacCarthy.

In the 61 years since Tipperary last defended their All-Ireland title, Kilkenny have successfully managed that feat eight times; Cork, three; Limerick have put four-in-a-row together. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

After Tipperary eviscerated Waterford in the 2011 Munster final, the historic data was strewn around like confetti. Tipp’s 21-point victory was the biggest winning margin for 29 years. Their seven goals was the most green flags raised in a Munster final since Limerick bagged eight in 1936. Lar Corbett’s 4-4 bettered the modern individual scoring record set by Mark Foley for Cork against Tipp in the 1990 final.

Corbett’s four goals came just ten months after his hat-trick against Kilkenny in the 2010 All-Ireland final. Since their 2010 All-Ireland quarter-final win against Galway, Tipp’s goalscoring average was then running at four per match.