LEST there be any doubt about the merit of Tipperary's relegation saving win, it is necessary to highlight two major factors of an exhilarating second half to this absorbing Division One, clash in Thurles on Saturday evening.
Firstly, Tipperary's barnstorming dominance had started before Kilkenny's Den is Byrne was ordered off 18 minutes into the second half. Secondly, there was no let up in Kilkenny's effort, even if they had already qualified for the knock out stages.
A crowd of 13,000 was treated to an excellent match. The sides were level on no less than six occasions and the match was played on a splendidly manicured pitch that invited sterling displays.
The first half exchanges may not have measured up to championship pace, but the defining feature of the game was Tipperary's quite awesome and defiant performance over the second 30 minutes.
The final contribution of 3-9 by the winners full forward line of Liam Cahill, Michael Cleary and Phil O'Dwyer had hardly been signposted in the first half. The O'Connors, Eddie and Willie, in the corners had been assertive forces in front of the Kilkenny posts.
Tipperary started the second half a point adrift, 2-7 to 2-6. The splendour of their subsequent display enriched by substitute midfielder Aidan Butler, overwhelmed Kilkenny in most sectors.
The scores began to flow freely irrespective of angle or distance from the hurleys of Liam Cahill, Philip O'Dwyer, Tomas Dunne and Kevin Tucker, all young players who grew in confidence as the match progressed. And Cleary completed a hat trick of goals.
"They had some delightful scores," said Kilkenny manager Nicky Brennan afterwards.
Kilkenny's problems in defence and in midfield began to multiply following the early second half introduction of Aidan Butler.
Ironically, Kilkenny's slide began from the time DJ Carey hammered a penalty to the Tipperary net after Niall Moloney was fouled 10 minutes into the second half.
That score gave Kilkenny a three point advantage, 3-10 to 2-10. Kilkenny's only remaining addition to the scoreboard was a 55th minute pointed free from top scorer Carey.
The significance of a Kilkenny wide almost immediately after that second goal from Carey was pinpointed by Nicky Brennan as the turning point, the beginning of the end".
Moments later play swung to the other end and Kilkenny goalkeeper Joe Dermody dropped his burley when attempting a handpass clearance. A close free was rewarded, affording full forward Cleary the half chance to strike his third goal.
The Nenagh man left nobody in doubt as to his intentions by slamming the ball hard and low to the Kilkenny net. This left the sides level for the sixth time.
Suddenly, the floodgates swung open and Tipperary's hungrier attackers went on the rampage with a procession of scores.
It was a thoroughly satisfying performance from a Tipperary perspective. It's an ideal buildup to the championship for us," said Tipperary manager Len Gaynor, whose team meet Limerick in the Munster semifinal next Sunday week. The second half was indeed Tipperary's best 30 minutes of the season and resulted in Kilkenny's first defeat since their opening match against Limerick in March.
The accuracy demonstrated by Tipperary's attack, plus the wiles of Cleary, was such that when they did have the wayward shot - seven in all - they were quickly forgiven by their satisfied followers.
Byrne, switched out to centre half forward, was dismissed after Colm Bonnar hit the deck. It is understood that he will be reported for dangerous play, an offence that warrants a one month suspension. This would rule him out of the Leinster championship semi final against Dublin on Sunday fortnight.
Paul Shelly was given the free role in Tipperary's defence after the sending off, but it was indicative of the second half dominance of the Tipperary half backs - especially Colm Bonnar and Conor Gleeson - that the last line of their defence was not seriously threatened in the last quarter.
