Shy, but not retiring, Tommy’s not Dunne yet in glory hunt

AMONG the hurling purists, Thomas Dunne would be regarded as one of the greatest exponents of the modern game, an artist with an array of skills and a warm personality which mirrors his sportsmanship.

Long before he captained Tipperary to their last Guinness All-Ireland title four years ago against Galway, their opponents in Sunday's quarter-final his reputation was established. That will endure, but while admitting he hadn't given thought to retirement, this could mark his farewell appearance in Croke Park.

"I had not really been thinking about it, but it could be,'' he said.