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2. Limerick are on a mission Limerick went extremely strong in their line-up for the game, and it seems that they had this game earmarked from a long way out to lay down a marker. The return of Kyle Hayes highlighted as much, and given the players they were missing in the form of Cian Lynch and Barry Nash, they still have the strongest 20 players at their disposal in the country, with Aidan O'Connor and Shane O'Brien taking on the leadership mantle in a very experienced outfit. READ NEXT: Tipperary Live player ratings - Tipperary vs Limerick in National Hurling League - Round 4
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3. Noel McGrath still has it For any Tipperary supporters reading this, don't forget to admire and appreciate the performances Noel McGrath continues to churn out, even at his ripe intercounty age! With four All-Ireland medals and everything won in the game, to see the hunger and drive he displayed with the game lost, in the driving rain in a league game in February, shows you the drive he has to continue to deliver for Tipperary. His six points from play were impressive, but he put in a shift to go with it. Class is permanent! READ NEXT: Tipperary Live player ratings - Tipperary vs Limerick in National Hurling League - Round 4
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4. League final appearance almost gone The chances of a second consecutive league final appearance have more or less evaporated in the aftermath of Saturday's defeat. It would take an unlikely series of events for Tipperary to do so. Currently on 4 points, along with Limerick - with an extra game played - Cork leads out with 6 points, and with both Limerick and Cork having Tipperary's number on head-to-head, Liam Cahill's side would need a minor miracle. READ NEXT: Tipperary Live player ratings - Tipperary vs Limerick in National Hurling League - Round 4
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5. Performances not consistent for Tipp In comparison to last year's league campaign, there has been a lot of inconsistency in Tipperary's performances. Understandably, there's been a great state of flux in the selection with injuries, lack of training and an influx of youngsters staking their claim, and that has likely contributed somewhat toward that. However, it is a concern that the team is struggling to find their feet, with a patchy win against Galway and a defeat to Cork that were mixed bags in terms of performance, and the no-show against Limerick only heightens that worry. You only need to look at the Clare league campaign from last year, where they struggled for form after winning the All-Ireland the previous year, and that ultimately proved costly come the Munster championship. Victories and strong performances in the remaining games against Waterford and Kilkenny with returning personnel would go a long way to righting the early wrongs of the season so far. READ NEXT: Tipperary Live player ratings - Tipperary vs Limerick in National Hurling League - Round 4