Eamonn O'Shea finally caught a break with his Tipperary team and then promptly caught another one.

The emotional energy expended during the win over Galway might be difficult to locate again this soon so facing what ought to be a less than taxing evening in Offaly’s company here should suit them.

Saved face

Then a fortnight of regrouping and retooling to get ready for either Dublin or whoever loses in Cork tomorrow.

Offaly saved some face by going up to Ballycastle and digging out a win against Antrim. Brian Carroll has been a lone voice in the wilderness for them this summer and nobody deserved a last-minute winner more.

He gave the Kilkenny defence a torrid night in Nowlan Park even as his side was being slaughtered elsewhere and he can do the same again here.

For Tipp, the main item on the agenda is what to do at full back. The next time they have to stick or twist on Pádraic Maher in that position might very well come too late.

They got away with it last week because Galway had no other plan but not everybody will be so compliant. Where Maher is sited this evening will tell a lot.

Offaly set up with a sweeper against Kilkenny but they overthought itand only ended up in making Paul Murphy the most influential player on the pitch.

They might try it again here in an attempt to keep the score manageable.

One way or another, they're likely in for a long evening. TIPPERARY: D Gleeson; C Barrett, P Maher, M Cahill; J Barry, C O'Mahony, B Maher; K Bergin, J Woodlock; G Ryan, P Maher, J O'Dwyer; N McGrath, S Callanan, L Corbett. OFFALY: J Dempsey; N Wynne, R Hanniffy, C McDonald; E Nolan, K Brady, C Parlon; S Ryan, D Currams; J Bergin, C Mahon, C Egan; B Carroll, D Kenny, S Dooley. Referee: Alan Kelly (Galway)