Ever since Tipperary's 'famine' ended in 1987 with that famous Munster final victory, their return to the big time has seen them lock horns with Galway in many important championship matches. This Sunday's All-Ireland semi-final is a continuation of that rivalry.
Looking ahead to the game, Galway midfierlder Andy Smith insists that Tipp are "overwhelming favourites" to advance to the decider, but feels there is a more "balanced" look to the Tribsemen squad this year.
The Portumna clubman was outlining his thoughts to RTÉ Sport in advance of the clash with the Munster champions.
"Tipperary are a phenomenal side and we'll have to be at our best to beat them," he said.
"They went toe-to-toe with Kilkenny last year and we’re certainly not underestimating the challenge. Tipp will be overwhelming favourites and rightly so."
Smith also singled out the threat of the Premier attack.
"If you give Tipperary time and space, they'll punish you and the shooters they have up front are deadly accurate," he added.
"We just need to be tight on them to keep them under wraps."
And while it's natural to talk up your opponent, Smith was keen to stress the good vibe within the Galway camp and how they got things back on track after the Leinster final defeat to Kilkenny.
"If you have a squad where people are pushing each other, it brings players on" - Andy Smith
"We planned to get to a Leinster final but we came up against a very good Kilkenny side on the day. They were better than us and we've no qualms about that. The quarter-final against Cork was then a really big game for us.
"I think getting the early goal was vital as it set the tone for the game. Overall, it was a very good team performance and I think all of us put in an honest shift. That's all you're looking when you go out to hurl. A lot of the younger lads did step up against Cork and it's great to see them fulfilling their potential. I think we have a very good, balanced squad this year."
Reflecting further on the last point, Smith added: "There is a good intensity now in our training and that's vitally important. If you have a squad where people are pushing each other, it brings players on, but it also means that players are looking over their shoulders which is a healthy thing."
It's only three years since Galway last qualified for a September, but for the midfielder getting back there again is paramount as they seek to end a 27-year wait for an All-Ireland title.
"Galway need to be at the top table and so it's important we're there on hurling's biggest day," revealed a determined Smith.
"It's too long since our last All-Ireland win. It would mean everything for the players, management and the county as a whole to get back to the final again. We know, however, that we have 75 minutes of hard work ahead of us on Sunday in what's going to be a massive battle with massive intensity."
At 32, Smith is one of the elder statesmen of the Galway squad and is still getting a lot of satisfaction from pulling on the maroon jersey.
"I’m enjoying every minute of it and I think you appreciate it more when you’re coming to the latter stages of your career. Every time you pull on the Galway jersey it’s a proud moment for me, my family and the club."
