Liam Cahill believes going down to 14 men was the catalyst for Tipperary's All-Ireland SHC semi-final victory over Kilkenny.

The signs looked ominous when Darragh McCarthy received a second yellow card for wrapping Kilkenny 'keeper Eoin Murphy across the knuckles with his hurl in the 58th minute, but it only served to galvanise Tipp who went on to reach their first final in six years thanks to substitute Oisín O’Donoghue’s late goal.

“It was a bit of a blow at the time but look, I think it really ignited the rest of the players on the field," the Tipp manager told the assembled media in Croke Park.

“Look, it's misfortune, the second yellow. By the rule book it's there, as a second yellow. We had no complaints with it at all. 

“Just disappointed for Darragh, he commits to everything. I suppose just before that we probably had really discussed getting Oisín in at that time.

“Lo and behold, Darragh was coming off alright but we can't get Oisín in to replace him. Again, the impact of our bench coming in had a big bearing on today's game.

“I really thought they gave us huge energy. Tynan in particular was superb when he came on. Obviously, Oisín and Noel as usual, giving us that calming influence. Just happy, as I said, that the job is done now.

“We try and turn the page as quick as we can and look forward to two weeks' time.”

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