We got out of jail last week and that was the kick in the backside we needed

LARRY TOMPKINS was a bundle of emotions yesterday. His joy was more than eclipsed by a large dollop of relief, in the aftermath of his side's Munster SFC final victory over Tipperary in the unlikely format of a replay.

"We got out of jail last week and maybe that was the kick in the backside we needed," he said with a grin. "It was a case that I did not have to say very much during the week. We went into that game a little bit lax and, fair play to Tipperary, they played very good football and were probably a bit unlucky not to win it on the day."

Tompkins admitted that Cork were more focused following that experience in Thurles last Sunday, having realised fully what their opponents were capable of.