Cool heads ensure Tipp end up with traditional result

AJ LEIBLING was right, all those years ago: there is still a kick in style and tradition carries a nasty wallop.

With tradition we do not refer to Tipperary’s fabled past, but to last year’s All-Ireland victory, which clearly put plenty of yeast in the players’ self-belief. Six points down to Clare after seven minutes yesterday, they remained cool and unruffled, reeling in their opponents and ending the game three goals clear.

Clare boss Ger O’Loughlin was precise in his compliments, saying a panic button was not pressed by Tipp, and he was right.