Tipperary and Down were the comeback kings on a cracking weekend of GAA action that also saw All-Ireland hurling champions Kilkenny stamp their class.

Brian Cody’s Cats booked a Leinster hurling final showdown with Galway as they hammered Dublin in Portlaoise on Saturday.

Tipperary then re-enforced their credentials as serious challengers to Kilkenny’s crown when they came from behind to beat Cork by a point, 1-22 to 0-24, on Leeside.

Tipp had John O’Brien sent-off but still managed to come out on top against a young and energetic Cork side who will now face Offaly in the qualifiers.

Tipp boss Declan Ryan said: “There have been questions about my players’ commitment and their ability, but they showed today what they’re about.

“They take a lot of pride in wearing the blue and gold. That game will stand us in great spirits as the year goes on. We’ve a good idea where our players are at and we’ve have some strong players on the bench as well. To get out of Cork with a win is a huge achievement.”

Dublin, beaten by Kilkenny in the Leinster SHC on Saturday, will now travel to Clare in the All-Ireland qualifiers.

In football, Down also produced a Lazarus act as they came back from nine points down in the first-half to beat Monaghan by a point in Armagh thanks to Darren O’Hagan’s injury-time winner.

Boss James McCartan smiled: “Phone-a-cab were waiting for me outside before half-time, I had already booked a taxi, things were looking that bad.”

Mayo were easy winners over Leitrim in the Connacht football championship semi-final at MacHale Park.