There were many permutations discussed before Tipperary's final Allianz Hurling League game with Clare yesterday as to how Tipp could qualify for the semis or even get relegated, but in the end none of them mattered.
The Premier stormed past the Banner in a hugely impressive display in a west and windy Semple Stadium yesterday to not only take their place in the last four, but to finish top of Division 1A.
Two goals from Eoin Kelly either side of half-time and another from Lar Corbett meant Tipp were always in control, and after taking the lead in the opening 30 seconds they held onto it for the reminder of the game.
A 1-11 to 0-6 lead at the break turned into a 3-19 to 1-14 full-time score, to end Tipp's campaign with 3 wins and 2 defeats.
So Tipp go onto play Limerick or Dublin in the semi finals in three weeks time, while the other semi will be contested between Kilkenny and Galway after they had wins over Cork and Waterford respectively.
Cork and Clare will contest this year's relegation playoff.
However the camogie and ladies football teams couldn't enjoy similar league success – the camogie panel losing by 4-10 to 1-6 to Offaly, while Armagh just got the better of the ladies footballers by 1-10 to 2-6.
