Tipperary GAA - Rivalries and Support

Rivalries and Support

Tipp's main rival is undoubtedly Cork in the Munster Championship. These teams have met 80 times in the championship, more than any other rivalry in hurling. They have also met them countless times in the National League and pre season challenge tournaments. A Tipp and Cork Munster final in Semple Stadium is said by both sets of fans to be the 'real' or traditional Munster final and the games between them are nearly always close. The draw and replay games of 1987 and 1991 and the 1949–1954 rivalry encapsulates this rivalry and the 1991 replayed final in Thurles is one of the greatest Munster hurling finals. This is one of the few rivalries in provincial championship that is contested by two teams of similar honours and titles. Kilkenny and Wexford have major difference in titles and Dublin and Meath also have a gap between their respective winnings. Galway and Mayo is the only one the rivals this pairing in terms of title similarity. Tipp also have a strong rivalry with Limerick in the Munster championship. Although Tipp have major advantage in titles and honours, the game can go either way. The Tipp – Clare rivalry came with Clares growth in power in the 1990s and the Tipp-Waterford rivalry due to Waterford's resurgence in the 2000s. In the All-Ireland series, Kilkenny are Tipp's main rivals. This rivalry has lasted since Kilkenny's coming to power in the early 20th century. Tipp are the only team to have beaten Kilkenny in the All Ireland senior hurling championship (and also in All Ireland senior hurling finals) more times than losses.