“On their day Tipperary are a team that can beat anyone, and that’s not just me blowing them up,” Kingston said.

“Those are the facts, and they’ve proven that in the last number of years. They’re unlucky not to have more All-Irelands won than they have, but they’re in the top two or three for the All-Ireland again this year.

“It’s well documented where we stand heading up to play them is a huge ask. If we’re not on our game we’ll be in trouble, simple as that.”

Kingston acknowledged Tipperary as favourites for the tie.

“There’s no question in Tipperary and all over the country that it’s just a matter of how much Tipp will win by — not whether they win, but how much they win by. That brings its own pressure.

“From our perspective we’re just focusing on ourselves and being the best we can be. We’re prepared as well as we can and I just hope we can produce it on the day. If we play to the best of our ability, that’s all I can ask for,” Kingston added.

Meanwhile, Cork’s Ciaran Sheehan made a successful return to Aussie Rules action on Saturday as he came through his first game in 18 months unscathed.

The 25-year-old has been plagued by injuries recently and missed the 2015 season after undergoing hip surgery.

However, the Carlton forward returned to training a number of weeks ago and earlier made his long-awaited comeback.

Sheehan lined out for the Northern Blues, Carlton’s affiliate club, and slotted right back in as he collected seven disposals.

“It was absolutely fantastic to get back out on the park and have a runaround,” the 2010 All-Ireland winner said afterwards.

“The hip feels great, it pulled up fine which is important and now it’s about looking forward and hopefully the body holds up.”

There was a bit of rust alright, but I just had to shake that off and by the end of it, I felt a lot more comfortable.

“Everyone’s been great, the players and staff have all been getting around me which has been important for me.”

This story first appeared in the Evening Echo newspaper.