Ian O'Riordantalks to Tipperary captain Benny Dunne ahead of Sunday's semi-final clash against Limerick at the Gaelic Grounds

With all the expectation around Waterford and all the controversy surrounding Cork and Clare there's been very little hype around Tipperary ahead of Sunday's Munster hurling semi-final against Limerick. That, presumably, is just the way they want it.

Yet having contested the last two Munster finals - losing to Cork both times - Tipperary are quietly determined to go one step further this year. Team captain Benny Dunne has described the healthy level of confidence, boosted, in ways, by their narrow defeat to Waterford in the National League quarter-final.

"Our league form was mixed enough," he said. "We were going fairly well until the quarter-finals, when Waterford knocked us out, although they showed afterwards how well they were going. That gave us a little more hope.

"We also used the league well to blood some players from the minor and under-21s, like Pa Burke, Tom Stapleton. They're all pushing for places. And I think the younger guys have added a lot this year. They're already used to winning Munster championships at their level. They breed a new confidence around the place as well."

Dunne also noted that at senior level Tipperary are beginning to feel the hunger pains: "We've won nothing since 2001, and could do with any trophy at this stage. That's what it's all about. Babs (Keating) has said that, that the Munster title should be a real target. Since the league quarter-final defeat to Waterford we've really put the shoulder to the wheel.

"You can't beat winning games, and that's what you need coming up to the All-Ireland quarter-finals. Maybe the real hurling doesn't start until the All-Ireland finals, but there is a Munster championship to play for first, and that's what we're aiming for.

"Tipp against Limerick will always be close, and the big plus for the winners is going straight into the Munster final. And I think the Munster championship is closer than ever before, slowly evening out again. Waterford are the team to beat, but it's still hard to call."

Dunne has resumed Tipperary captaincy duties this year because of the absence of Toomevara club-mate John O'Brien, who is only slowly returning to regular hurling after a car accident. Despite winning another county title, the memories of the club championship still hurt, with Toomevara losing the All-Ireland semi-final to Ballyhale, prompting his brother, Tommy, to announce his retirement.

"That was the most disappointing of all. It's such a long road back to get into another All-Ireland semi-final. We played 29 matches in all last year, between challenges and championship, and it's hard to know if we'll ever get back there again. But knowing the bunch of lads we have I think we can. The problem is everyone is out to get you when you're county champions.

"Tommy has moved on as well, and just didn't want any fuss about his retirement. He's working with the Tipp minors this year, and that's keeping him occupied."

Dunne has other reasons to be focused entirely on the county's hope at the moment. Injury prevented him from playing any major role with Tipperary last year, but having rediscovered his best form during the league, he's back as one of their central players this year.

"I'm happy enough once I'm making the team. Last year was a difficult time for me, injured a lot with a hamstring, and I never really got a run. I only played something like 10 minutes. This year I'm just happy to be fit, injury-free, and after that I don't mind where I start. But I have been playing more at half back and midfield than the forward line. You still have to be flexible though.

"Playing Cork in the last two Munster finals we weren't that far away. At the time they were that step ahead of us with regards to real quality. Their confidence was that bit higher as well. This year I think it will be a little different. In fairness Cork and Kilkenny had raised the standard, but the likes of Waterford, Galway and ourselves are rising to that standard as well.

"The fact is if we can win our first game we're into a Munster final. People are saying the appetite isn't there for the provincial championship anymore, but it will always be there for Munster."