Liam Sheedy points out Tipperary's role in Cork's run to All-Ireland final

Liam Sheedy was full of praise for Cork as they toppled a five-in-a-row Limerick in the All-Ireland semi-finals on Sunday.

But the former Tipperary manager reminded us that the Rebels only made the knockout stages of this year's championship thanks to the Premier County.

Cork were in a perilous position after losing their first two games in the Munster Championship round-robin series ahead of the visit to Limerick to SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

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The Rebels would produce a shock victory over the Treaty County to keep their season alive before a 4-30 to 1-21 victory over Tipperary continued Cork's momentum.

But in a game of fine margins, Waterford would have made the knockout stages at Cork's expense if not for a late flurry from Tipperary to salvage a 1-27 to 3-21 draw with Waterford at Walsh Park.

Speaking after Cork's epic semi-final victory, Sheedy joked: "I think they can thank Tipperary for that 1-1 down in the last minute at Walsh Park!

"That 1-1 is the reason that Cork are in the All-Ireland final..."

Sheedy heaped on Cork's players but warned of the potential of becoming distracted by the occasion of an All-Ireland final.

"Ultimately, the next two weeks is about the shoulders up. There is nothing you are going to do for your physical preparation.

"The danger with All-Ireland finals is that you're going to have massive Cork crowds and all of a sudden, it's an occasion.

"It's not, it's a game where you've got to bring your best performance of the year.

"The energy that Clare got from yesterday's performance and the relief they had at that final whistle, I said 'my god, they are going to come with something'.

"I think we're set up for a massive final. Finals take on a different slant and the next two weeks are really important to get everything right from the shoulders up."

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