So what's changed in the past 12 months?

In the second half of last Sunday’s Munster SHC clash, Cork wing-back Mark Coleman soloed up his wing on the Ryan Stand side of Semple Stadium, checked, turned back, slapped the ball off the ground and considered his options. Coleman then zipped a cross field ball to Patrick Horgan, who snapped over a point.

For the supporters in red and white it was a restoration of the natural order of the universe: an unknown teenager coming up to Thurles with class in his wrists and Cork in his attitude, and announcing himself to a national audience less than 12 months after sitting his Leaving cert.

Comparisons were made with 1999. Tipperary manager Michael Ryan said Cork were back. The word mushrooms was even mentioned.