Tipperary had pact with themselves to stick with All-Ireland final gamble

Tipperary surprised many by playing a plus-one in defence for their All-Ireland hurling final victory over Cork.

While regaining his place on the Tipperary starting team in 2025, Willie Connors has a “straight enough conversation” with manager Liam Cahill. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

During the two-week build-up to July’s All-Ireland hurling final, Tipperary twice tried the sweeper approach during in-house games.

The A team - their likely final starting team - operated with seven in defence for both in-house games. Both times, the A side was cleaned out by the B’s.