A feel-good factor has been restored to Cork hurling off the back of their thrilling win against Limerick last weekend.
The Rebels kept their All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship bid alive with their finest win in years against the defending champions, but will know there is still more work to do.
Cork meet Tipperary in their final fixture of the Munster Championship round-robin phase, knowing that a win is a must to keep their Liam MacCarthy Cup hopes in tact.
Few had expected Pat Ryan's side to be in this position after a disappointing opening loss to Waterford and subsequent tight defeat to Clare - cemented by a needless red card - seemingly ending their bid prematurely for another year.
11 May 2024; Patrick Horgan of Cork is congratulated by supporters after the Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 3 match between Cork and Limerick at SuperValu Páirc Ui Chaoimh in Cork. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Without an All-Ireland title since 2005, Cork will be confident of progressing after doing what few have to John Kiely's imperious Limerick side last time out.
Tipp meanwhile, are under pressure and - although they have home advantage - are without a win having been battered by Limerick before salvaging a draw with Waterford.
Jackie Tyrrell Warns Limerick Win Could Work Against Cork
Cork are certainly the side with the momentum, however Kilkenny hurling legend Jackie Tyrrell believes last weekend's win brings a potential challenge for their management.
With SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh swarmed by jubilant fans at full-time, Cork's players are sure to have been feeling an emotional high in recent days.
It has surely been an energy-sapping week for Ryan's squad and Tyrrell told the RTE GAA Podcast that the high of their victory could hinder the squad going into Sunday's encounter.
That is exactly what you want to see from the point of view of execution, composure, leadership, fire and anger," Tyrrell said of Cork's performance.
"Everything you want to out of a team was there so see. And all the questions people asked they answered that week.
"I'd say the most difficult thing for Pat Ryan is to pick his team up or bring them back down and prepare for this weekend.
"Mentally and physically that is going to be huge for them."
Whether Cork have already played their "final" or will be able to return to their remarkable levels shown against Limerick will be determined when the sides meet at Semple Stadium on Sunday.
Both teams need a win to stay in the hunt for glory so it should make for an entertaining contest.
