What a difference a year makes. 12 months ago, Tipperary were miles away from where they wanted to be. They were in the doldrums of hurling, and thoughts of lifting the Liam McCarthy would have seemed like fantasy.
Today, they are All-Ireland champions. It is a remarkable turnaround and there is one man at the heart of it.
Liam Sheedy returned as manager after an eight-year absence, and his impact has been clear. Having left the county as All-Ireland champions in 2010, he has led them back to that benchmark at the first time of asking.
His celebrations after the semi-final win over Wexford made it clear what this meant to him on a personal level, but even those were nothing compared to the scenes today.
Sheedy was calm and composed in the buildup to the game, but you could tell he was fired up.
Once the game got underway, he was a man possessed.
While the manner of the victory meant there was no great outpouring of emotion from the Tipp boss at the final whistle, it didn't take him long to get into his groove.
These are the scenes as Tipperary celebrate their 28th All-Ireland crown after beating Kilkenny #rtegaa #sundaygame #kkvtipp
Reaction on @rte2 and highlights progamme to come at 9:30pm. pic.twitter.com/OBDmt6cBSh— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) August 18, 2019
Speaking to RTÉ after the game, Sheedy gave all the credit to his players.
Liam Sheedy: 'I think we've some of the best players that have ever worn the blue and gold jersey wearing it right now. I'm just privileged to be working alongside them' pic.twitter.com/kJuBQvVH9c
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) August 18, 2019
