The most surprising result of the weekend - in Division 1A of the Allianz Hurling League at least - was Wexford winning the battle of the two teams with 0% records in Ennis.
Shane McGrath was impressed with Keith Rossiter's side's efforts in tough conditions as they ran out 1-23 to 1-17 victors on the road.
"I was at the game. At half-time, it was 1-09 to 0-15 [in Wexford's favour] and I thought it was a seven or eight-point wind. Mark Fanning couldn't reach his own 65 with some of the puckouts in the second half, such was the breeze. The posts were blowing everywhere.
"It was a blood and guts, tactics out the window performance from Wexford. In the second half they just gave everything, as if this was their last match for Wexford.
"I know it might sound ridiculous but that's what they felt was on the line yesterday. They could still end up being relegated, but what it will do for the group, it will be worth anything to them."
The Banner may have bigger priorities than defending their league title this year but McGrath warns that fierce rivals Limerick will be only too happy to send them on a path to 1B when they meet on Sunday.
"Clare just did not have the same fight. Wexford outscored them against the wind.
"Conor Cleary's stock has gone through the roof because the full-back line is in disarray at the moment. They need [him], David McInerney and Peter Duggan.
"They don't have the momentum. I know they are decimated with injuries at the moment, but they are the All-Ireland and league champions. When will the panic button be pressed?
"They have Limerick next in the Gaelic Grounds. It's a good healthy rivalry, but they hate each other. Limerick are going to want to bury them if they can, and try to get them relegated. That's what rivals do to each other.
"I don't know where it's going to come from for Clare. I'd love to be a fly on the wall in the next few days when Brian Lohan is talking to them. They'll know it's not good enough and what a test for them to try and get it back going into the Gaelic Grounds."
McGrath was heartened by his native county's efforts in beating Cork at Semple Stadium, nine months after losing to the Rebels by 18 points at the same venue, their biggest defeat in the fixture in 126 years.
"The group needed it, Liam Cahill needed it, Tipp hurling needed it," said McGrath.
"The last time Cork came to Thurles they beat the crap out of Tipp. That was obviously a factor.
"While there were just two points on the line in a league game and championship will be a different animal, I feel that was a massive win for the group.
"It has brought a lot of goodwill. The public are starting to get behind the team, because of the honesty, the work-rate and the passion.
"We are proud hurling people in Tipp. We have people involved in every sport but hurling is our number one and we don't apologise for that.
"Are we at the top table? As good as Limerick or Clare? Probably not yet. But there are indications that we will get there.
"With what we're doing at schools level, with the minors, the 20s... There are eight or nine lads playing senior hurling this year who never played senior hurling before and that's massive.
"We are getting more settled. Seven players have started all four games. They are getting more and more familiar with each other.
"I didn't know what way the year was going to go, because of lads stepping away or not being asked back into the panel. But the whole thing has come together and you can't beat a few wins for momentum and belief in what the system should be, and lads buy more and more into that."
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