McGrath flourishes on centre stage

SHANE McGRATH could empathise with the shattered Waterford players at the final whistle of yesterday’s All-Ireland SHC semi-final in Croke Park.

Two years ago the Tipperary midfielder had walked off the pitch after the Déise pipped them by two points at the same stage and deprived them of an appearance in the September showpiece.

Yesterday, Tipperary turned matters around in their favour and ensured they will line up in opposition to Kilkenny on September 5. McGrath felt the experience absorbed from that 2008 loss was beneficial in emerging from a bruising encounter.