Premier leadership and culture delight Liam Cahill

Tipperary manager Liam Cahill could hardly have been more effusive in his praise for his cohesive side as they topped the Allianz Hurling league Division 1A table and laid a few ghosts to rest with a 2-22 to 1-21 win over Cork on Saturday night.

A 10-point personal haul for Darragh McCarthy and goals from Jake Morris and Dylan Walsh for the hosts at FBD Semple Stadium proved too much for the Rebels to counter, despite the brief threat of a comeback at the start of the second half.

Cork's record in Thurles in recent years has been a strong one, making the result pleasing for Cahill, with the manner of the victory the cherry on top.

"Delighted with the performance," Cahill admitted in his post-match interview with RTÉ Sport. "It was a real workmanlike attitude tonight from our fellas, and we're delighted to be able to compete with a team of the calibre of Cork, All-Ireland finalists last year.

"I'm really happy with the way we stemmed a bit of Cork pressure when it came as well.

"Players really got to grips with what was happening on the field.

"They're all building blocks, but it's a great place to be at the moment with this bunch of players.

"They're really giving everything for Tipperary."

Semple Stadium was a sea of red when Cork obliterated Tipperary in last year's Munster SHC. The ignominy generated by that chastening defeat might just be the fuel that is firing the Premier County forward in 2025, with Cahill sensing something of a symbiotic relationship between the players and the fans.

"I was thrilled with the big Tipperary support here, and you could feel the energy of the players seeping into the stands and vice versa.

"That's what we're trying to aim for here and every time we play, and obviously when we play at home here