An appetiser for real thing

Psychological warfare is a funny old business, and the Tipperary manager was just happy that he wouldn't have to go through the whole charade all over again. "Do you know," said Nicky English, standing in the middle a dressingroom that was remarkably sombre, "the worst thing that could have happened was if that match finished in a draw."

Perhaps it would have been even worse, from his point of view, if they'd lost. After all, on the learning curves of things, Tipperary have a lot more to learn than Clare, who annex titles - whether it be at schools, club or county level - with all the arrogance of the new rich.

Indeed, Ger Loughnane, the Clare manager, was pragmatic in his assessment of the outcome. "It was a good appetiser for June 6th (when the teams look set to meet in the championship), and both teams still have a lot in them," remarked Loughnane. "It wasn't championship-pace stuff out there, but I am disappointed we didn't win because we could benefit from another match. However, there is not much between the teams, that's for sure."

Still, you'd suspect from the polite acceptance of defeat that not too many salted tears will be shed over losing in the next few days and that the training programme geared towards the championship clash will be stepped up. For English, though, reaching the final represents another important step for his evolving team. "We need as much big-time experience as we can get," he insisted. "We have a lot to learn. At the end of the day, there is not a lot separating Tipperary and Clare - but what is separating them is their greater experience and we need to learn as much as we can. Playing in a league final should be a help and will tell us a lot."

And, as if that league engagement is a necessary step towards the real date with destiny on June 6th, English added: "Clare will still be the favourites for the All-Ireland, even after that." It is what matters most.