Sean Hayes rallies Cork and cautions that Tipperary warrants serious respect

“Any time you beat Kerry in the championship is a very good result,” reflected Sean Hayes in the wake of Cork’s Munster semi-final victory over the old enemy.

How many times have we heard a similar line trotted out when Tipperary are the vanquished outfit? Rarely, if ever.

Sure, Tipperary football has made significant strides in recent years. The trophy cabinet has been slowly filling up on the Bohernave Road and their standing on the third rung of Munster’s ladder has been consolidated. Respect from the province’s two traditional forces, however, has still to be earned.