Noel McGrath says Tipperary answered those who questioned their 'character' with a second half surge against Cork that earned them a draw in the Munster SHC round-robin series.
Tipperary failed to score until the 14th minute of the clash, and trailed the Munster champions by nine points at half-time. But Michael Ryan's charges rallied in the second half, scoring five points before John McGrath levelled proceedings with 10 minutes to go.
Cork responded to reclaim the lead but a point from substitute Jake Morris secured a draw for Tipperary at the death.
This was a crucial game for Tipperary, who suffered defeat at the hands of Limerick last weekend, and they now look to strengthen their chances of making the Munster final when they face Waterford and Clare in the final games of the round-robin.
Noel McGrath was one of the standout performers for the Premier County with a personal tally of 1-03, and speaking to RTÉ Sport after the thrilling tie, he said that their second half display was a perfect response after the defeat at the Gaelic Grounds.
"We didn't perform in the first half," he said.
We were all disappointed with how we played and there's times when Tipperary players were questioned about our character and our fight and our desire.
"I don't think there's any words that can describe what went on in that second half, I think it speaks for itself.
"That's Munster hurling at its finest, that's what we grew up watching. That's what we loved to be involved in and that's what everyone thrives on.
"I think everyone is going to be going out of here delighted with that.
"We're still disappointed, we've a lot to work on still. We could have nicked it. We came back from three points down with time nearly up, got our draw and look, we're still here, we're still fighting. We're not gone too far."
When asked if comments about Tipp's character were mentioned in the dressing room during the half-time break, he said that players were only focused on raising their performance levels against Cork.
"As players, you have to go out on the field and perform. What goes on outside doesn't come into it on match day. You prepare yourself to be right on the day, give your best for the Tipperary jersey.
"Everybody loves that Tipperary jersey, once you put it on you grow and get bigger. I think that was seen out there today.
"Jake Morris [on his] championship debut got the leveller at the end and that's what it's all about. Look, we a long way to go yet, we're by far not the finished article but we're still here."
