5.
6. Ronan Maher Rating: 10/10 We have seen so many magnificent performances from players named 'Maher' in Tipperary jerseys throughout the years, but this one from the Tipperary captain surely trumps all. To pick up the Hurler of the Year elect in Brian Hayes and keep him to a single point was incredible, and some of the fielding and defending he produced inspired everyone around him. His Man of the Match award was thoroughly deserved, and he will be a worthy addition to the Thurles Sarsfields Wall of Legends!
6.
7. Bryan O'Mara Rating: 9/10 Playing as the plus one, the Holycross Ballycahill man was outstanding in the role. The discipline he showed, the first touch, and the composure were all of the very highest standard. He wasted maybe one possession in the whole game, but his influence laid the foundations for Tipperary to dash Cork's hopes. He was withdrawn through injury after 50 minutes, but had more hurling done in that time than anyone.
7.
8. Willie Connors Rating: 9/10 No one could have predicted that Connors would go to wing back for the final, but what an inspired move that proved to be from Cahill and co. He completely cleaned Declan Dalton, and when O'Mara was withdrawn, the Kiladangan man filled the plus-one role to great effect in the last 20 minutes. His possession stats were through the roof, and he also managed to bag a point himself in the first half. A top-quality performance from Connors.
8.
9. Conor Stakelum Rating: 7/10 He didn't have as much of an impact on the scoring front as the semi-final against Kilkenny, but he kept a Hurler of the Year candidate in Tim O'Mahony, to a bit part performance for Cork on the other side. He landed an important score at the start of the second half to get Tipp moving, and he just ran himself ragged in the second half, particularly. What a workhorse he is. A selfless team player.