Tipp defence steps forward

THE last time we saw this Tipperary team, in the Munster final five weeks ago, it was the attack winning all the plaudits, a seven-goal blitzing of Waterford.

Yesterday, in this All-Ireland senior hurling semi-final at sun-soaked Croke Park, it was the turn of the defence to make a name for themselves.

Those highly-rated Tipp forwards again managed 19 points but against an injury-hit but fired-up Dublin side that exceeded all expectations they were confined to just the one goal.