Concern over Tipperary's free-for-all approach

Tipperary are left with much to ponder with little over four weeks to their Munster Championship opener against All-Ireland hurling champions Limerick.

The Premier men were very much second best against Clare in their Allianz Hurling semi-final on Sunday, a rather deflating finish to their league campaign.

Manager Liam Cahill admitted his side were on the backfoot after a lacklustre start at O'Moore Park, where 19 wides highlighted their profligacy in front of the posts.

Nine of those wides came from frees, where Jason Forde, Gearóid O'Connor, Willie Connors, and Seán Ryan all had turns at placed balls.

That issue was highlighted on League Sunday, and speaking on the RTÉ GAA podcast, former Antrim hurler Neil McManus said he has real concerns for Tipp heading into the championship.