Tipperary manager Eamon O'Shea praised his sides spirit as they booked their place in an Allianz Hurling League final against Kilkenny, after a semi-final victory over Clare this afternoon.
O'Shea says he has seen massive improvement from his side since the beginning of the campaign.
"We knew that we were improving over the weeks and that our hurling was a bit better," he said.
"In the first half we tried to contain them a little bit and we had the wind so we got up a bit of a lead. I think we started to hurl in the second half when the pressure came on.
"If there was one thing about the league campaign it thought us how to deal with pressure."
Clare hit two cracking goals with Cathal McInerney and Patrick Donnellan on target, but Tipperary offered replies to both, both from Patrick Maher.
"It was very important and one of the things going back through the league, that eventhough we were getting hammered in all quarters we never gave up in any game that we lost, even in the games that we lost by a lot.
"The spirit was outstanding and I think that's what you saw today from us."
Seamus Callanan delivered a Man of the Match performance, scoring 12 points as the Premier County advanced to set up a repeat of the 2013 league decider, which Kilkenny won by three points.
However O'Shea admits there's still a lot of work to be done.
"I'm really happy, but I don't think that is the best from us. I don't think either team was at their best and hopefully there is more to come.
"We are very happy to get the win today."