Michael Ryan satisfied Tipperary’s defensive cracks can be sealed for semi-final

Michael Ryan knows where every conversation will turn ahead of a return to Croke Park. Tipp’s ongoing difficulties in the full-back line will ensure Cathal Barrett’s name crops up regularly over the coming weeks..

Tipp’s exiled corner-back —injured against Cork, but then released from the panel over a disciplinary issue — is back in club action and should have regained full fitness in time for the semi-final date.

On Saturday evening, however, Ryan preferred to underline the credentials of deputies currently in his fold.