Liam Cahill: League helped Tipperary rediscover winning feeling

Tipperary manager Liam Cahill praised his side's ruthlessness in front of goal as they got their Munster Championship campaign off to the perfect start with victory over Clare.

The Premier County pounced on errors in the Clare defence to score five goals, three of which came in the first half to put them on course for their first provincial victory in 20 months.

Jason Forde, whose lineball from 45 metres found its way to the net for the opener, also converted a second-half penalty for a personal haul of 2-06, while Jake Morris hit 2-04 from play and substitute Sean Ryan bagged a fifth goal with his first touch.

"We're obviously delighted to capitalise on a couple of errors in the Clare defence to get that cushion," Cahill told RTÉ Sport after the 5-22 to 3-23 success at Cusack Park.

"When you take that out of it there was nothing in the match for long stages, but you have to take those chances when they arrive and I was very happy the way we went about our business up front.

"Hurling needs to see goals, interlinking play and excitement. We’re not there to over elaborate on what the game of hurling is about, but when the opportunities arise and you get a little overlap, it’s nice to create a goal.

"It gives a good buzz throughout the panel and the stadium, and gives the supporters something to shout about."

Tipperary lost all four matches in last year’s Munster Championship but regrouped during the Allianz League, where they boasted a 100% record in Division 1B before pushing Limerick close in the semi-finals.

"We needed the league to find our way again, and we’ve done that," said Cahill.

"Throughout the league we blooded a couple of new players and some of them have stood up today to the intensity of Cusack Park. It’s all good at