Tipperary manager Declan Ryan was relieved to see his side reach the All-Ireland Hurling Championship final after a thrilling battle with Dublin this afternoon.
The Premier County were given a huge test by Anthony Daly’s side and eventually emerged victors by just four points.
Ryan admitted it was a fantastic spectacle for the supporters and experience for his players.
The Tipperary boss said: “It was a great game. It was a great game for Tipp and a great game for Dublin. I think it is no less than you would expect from a team prepared by Anthony Daly. They played with huge commitment. It was a ferocious game I suppose. We were lucky to come with it by a couple of scores.
“Coming up today we were expecting a very, very tough battle from Dublin. We knew they would probably set up defensively but we were ready for it. I suppose it was great test for our lads.
“They showed a lot of character out there and I’m delighted with the way they came through.
“When you get to the latter stages of the Championship the teams you are playing are maybe better organised, fitter and stronger. Dublin showed all those things today and they can be very proud of their efforts. It was a massive game.
“Croke Park is a big arena and you have to be up for the battle. I thought our forwards worked very hard and they can be pleased with their work-rate.”
Tipperary will meet Kilkenny in the final for the third year in-a-row and Ryan has already warned his players they must improve.
“We have plenty to work on. I don’t think Kilkenny will worry about anything they saw today. We have plenty to work on, it is going to be another massive challenge and another massive game.”
