Like four years ago, the wonder is in the opposition especially now that Tipperary arrive at this stage as Munster champions and not neophytes who tumbled through the qualifier trapdoor into an All-Ireland semi-final. However, as a unit they haven’t encountered anything as integrated or as effective a blend of experience and athleticism as Mayo offer. The decisive issue here is that Mayo have been tempered in a more demanding environment since the resumption in October. Four of their five matches have been against Division One teams whereas none of Tipperary’s opponents have been at that level. Allowing that Tipp are justifiably buoyant and Mayo sometimes struggle with favouritism, the Connacht champions can keep their distance.

Source: The Irish Times December 05, 2020 21:11 UTC