Despite 10 first half wides, the men from the Premier County showed what they were capable of as they racked up point after unanswered point to hold Offaly to just one point from play in the second half.

Tipp quickly got into a rhythm and were ahead 0-02 to 0-01 when - after a superb run and pass from John Carroll - Brian O'Meara beat Peter Burke in the Offaly goal.

Rory Hanafin responded for Offaly before full-forward Stephen Browne goaled for the Faithful County in the 19th minute.

However, Tipp hit back eight minutes later as John Carroll turned from provider to scorer when Tommy Dunne fed the former wing-back to blast home Tipp's second goal.

Brian O'Meara and Simon Whelehan then swapped points to see Tipp head to the dressingroom five points clear at 2-08 to 1-06.

Tipp stepped up a gear in the second half as Eoin Kelly and Simon Whelehan exchanged frees.

Eoin’s brother Paul got in on the act with a point to add to his tally and captain Tommy Dunne added another, before Whelehan again kept Offaly in touch from a placed ball.

Eoin Kelly and Brian Carroll exchanged points before Tipp went on the rampage.

The champions scored eight unanswered points as Offaly, sensing defeat, began to hunt for goals.

Veteran Johnny Dooley went for a goal from a free in the final minute of the game, but his effort was stopped by Brendan Cummins, who lines out in the Munster football final tomorrow.