Tipperary hurling is capable when necessary and crushing when required ...

So Tipperary remain the benchmark.

You expected a little more insight than that, no doubt. That’s coming shortly.

The throb and energy in Nowlan Park for yesterday’s NHL semi-final was provided in large part by the Wexford contingent, who outnumbered Premier supporters in the 19,000-plus crowd. They were passionate and vocal, and their team mirrored that belief with a fine display, going toe to toe with Tipperary for over 60 minutes, never taking that action dearly beloved of rugby pundits, the backward step.