From the Ashes: Tipperary’s stunning rise from outsiders to All-Ireland champions

From the Ashes: Tipperary’s stunning rise from outsiders to All-Ireland champions by Noel Dundon

“This is a brilliantly written and insightful account of what was a magnificent year for Tipperary.”

– Liam Cahill

From the Ashes is the extraordinary tale of how no-hopers Tipperary rose in twelve months to become All-Ireland senior hurling champions, beating the cream of the hurling crop and defying all the critics.

A remarkable story of resolve, resilience and artistry – this living example of what can be achieved when the group dynamic, the training environment and psyche are right – is captured brilliantly in this brutally honest and frank account of the unexpected campaign.

History brims with moments when the unfancied, the overlooked, the written-off — those so-called no-hopers — erupted like volcanoes from beneath the surface to shake the sporting world to its foundations. Cold stats and impossible odds were no match for their unshakable grit. These upsets weren’t flukes — they were masterclasses in courage, preparation and belief.

A season that began with whispers of uncertainty crescendoed into a deafening roar of glory. From the sparks lit by recent minor and U20 triumphs, the senior hurlers surged forward with singular intent — and claimed the grandest prize of all.

Read about the plots, the tactics and the supporters’ role; the coaches’ input and the backroom team; the hurt and the shame which gave way to pride and glory. The pundits gave Tipp no chance but acknowledged their achievement when the MacCarthy Cup was secured for the 29th time.

This is a story of redemption, of defiance, of stubbornness, of the will to win. This is Tipperary – the Premier hurling county once again in 2025.

Noel Dundon is a former newspaper editor and journalist who currently works in the communications section of the Local Authority Waters Programme. This is his ninth book, and his seventh on Tipperary GAA. He is the author of ‘The View’ weekly GAA column and contributes regularly to the matchday programmes in FBD Semple Stadium.