Final an unexpected bonus, but Tipp now focused on victory

Only three weeks ago against Dublin in Semple Stadium, Tipperary were within a point of being condemned to the division 1A relegation final, their three-point win just enough to see them across the line.

In two weeks, again in Semple Stadium but this time against holders Kilkenny, they will be within one game of being crowned league champions. Strange?

“Sure, that’s the way we planned it!” laughs midfielder Kieran Bergin. “Jesus, it’s mad, we were just saying how simple a game it is. I know for a fact even our own supporters this year were saying ‘They’re this, they’re that, they’re useless, they’ll win nothing.’ To be honest we were kind of happy to be in that position.