Premier Pride Restored.
Tipperary are back. With the sun beating down and over 28,000 supporters packed into Semple Stadium, the Premier County delivered a statement performance to book their place in the All-Ireland series, dismantling Waterford 1-30 to 1-21 in a commanding nine-point win.
It wasn’t just about booking a place in the next round — this was about burying some ghosts. Tipp hadn’t beaten Waterford in the Championship since 2019, hadn’t won at home in the Championship in six years, and hadn’t strung together back-to-back championship victories in that same stretch. All of those unwanted stats now lie in rubble, flattened by a composed, clinical, and at times electrifying Tipperary display.
Here’s a breakdown of five major positives for Liam Cahill’s side coming out of this victory – and one area that still needs attention as Tipp look ahead to greater tests in the Munster final (if Cork slip up) and beyond in the All-Ireland series.
1. Andrew Ormond: The New Catalyst in Attack
What a performance from the JK Brackens man. Whether it was winning frees, setting up scores, or taking on defenders, Andrew Ormond was central to everything positive about Tipp’s play, especially in the first half. His energy and vision opened gaps in the Waterford defence, and his link-up with the likes of Jake Morris and Darragh McCarthy showed maturity and cohesion well beyond his years.
Ormond won three vital frees after the restart and added a point from play – but it was his tireless running, clever positioning, and decision-making that set him apart. On a day when Tipperary needed someone to stand up and dictate, Ormond wore the centre-forward jersey like it was custom-made.
2. Darragh McCarthy’s Free-Taking Masterclass
McCarthy was simply unerring from placed balls, landing 12 frees in a superb all-round display for the Premier. His return from suspension couldn’t have been timelier, and his poise under pressure ensured that every foul punished Waterford severely.
Perhaps more impressively, McCarthy won many of those frees himself. His ability to draw contact, stay on his feet, and force defenders into awkward challenges is a skill Tipp will lean heavily on in the next phase. He should’ve been awarded a penalty and the black card that didn’t come for Ian Kenny was a let-off for Waterford.
3. Bench Impact: Oisín O’Donoghue and Noel McGrath Deliver
When the game was there to be seen out, Tipp’s bench came on and slammed the door shut. Oisín O’Donoghue, fresh from his Munster U20 heroics during the week, had a dream introduction — latching onto a breaking ball from McCarthy and drop shotting it home with his first touch.
Noel McGrath on his 98th appearance for Tipp across all grades, restored to a bench role for this game, came on and instantly added class and composure. He popped over a vital score and helped Tipp keep their cool in a heated final quarter. Sean Kenneally also chipped in with a point and looked lively.
Having a bench that contributes so decisively is a luxury Tipp have lacked in recent seasons — and it could be the difference when it comes to crunch knockout ties.
4. Defensive Steel and Leadership from Ronan Maher
Maher was immense. Tasked with shadowing the dangerous Mikey Kiely, Maher executed a near-flawless marking job while still contributing at the other end — including a stunning long-range point to level the match in the 17th minute.
His catch from a Waterford puck-out and offload for a key Ormond play summed up his day. This was vintage Ronan Maher — smart, strong, and always in the right place at the right time. Tipp’s defence looked more structured and alert than in previous outings, and Maher was the cornerstone of that improvement.
5. Character and Composure Under Pressure
Waterford came strong midway through the second half with six unanswered points, levelling the contest at 0-20 to 1-17. In seasons past, Tipp might have buckled under that kind of momentum swing. Not this time.
Instead, Tipp responded with calm and control, rattling off five points in a row before finishing the game with a 1-4 to 0-1 burst. The resilience shown — especially given the stakes — speaks volumes about the mental progress made under Liam Cahill and Mikey Bevans. Those Munster Sundays that ended in despair in recent years now seem a distant memory.
One Area of Concern: Slow Starts
If there’s one area that will need sharpening before the All-Ireland series, it’s the start. Once again, Tipp conceded an early goal — this time after just 11 seconds — and found themselves four points down inside a minute.
While they showed great maturity to steady the ship and take control, conceding early goals could prove fatal against the likes of Limerick and we know all about the damage Cork can do. Tightening up at the back in the opening 10 minutes has to be a focus in the weeks ahead. Tipp won’t always get away with giving opponents a head start.
Looking Ahead
Tipperary’s fate now partially rests in Cork’s hands. Should Waterford beat Cork in the final round, the Premier will march on to the Munster final. If not, they’re guaranteed a third-place finish and a place in the All-Ireland preliminary quarter-finals.
Either way, they are back at the big table — and importantly, back playing the kind of hurling that excites, energises, and entertains.
With momentum building, leaders standing tall, and new stars stepping up, the Premier are primed to make a serious push this summer.
Onwards. Upwards. Tipp abú.