Indeed, such were the efforts of Brian Boyle's side that it took extra-time for The Cats to run out 2-13 to 0-15 winner.
Goals from Denise Gaule and Julieann Malone during the additional period of play were key to the final outcome.
Tipp could have had a goal of their own in the latter stages of the game too but Jenny Grace's penalty went over rather than under the crossbar.
However, despite not making the net bulge her overall performance was highly commendable and she finished with 0-11 of her team's total.
The Fryday sisters – Ereena and Sarah – also made their mark in deeper lying roles helping the Premier County to 0-6 to 0-5 half-time lead.
But those extra-time goals eventually took Kilkenny through to next month's final against Galway.
Although Tipp will be dissapointed at the outcome of the match they can take some solace from their evident improvement – they lost by 34 points against The Cats just last year.
