That has been the pattern all too often in subsequent years, even if Tipp have been competitive for spells.
The bottom line was the green machine always found a gear when they needed it, resulting in the most purple of scoring patches.
Think of the 16-point turnaround in the 2021 Munster final, the aforementioned 11-point swing in the league semi-final, and the comprehensive 2020 provincial game at Pairc Ui Chaoimh where Kiely moved Lynch to centre-forward where a man-marking job by Alan Flynn backfired.
Cahill and Mikey Bevans need to stem the flow, to alter what has become an abusive relationship between these two.
The prospect of knocking out the champions and ending their Munster five-in-a-row quest is an enticing carrot.
Making four changes to the starting team is a bold move, but that is typical of this management team when looking back at their underage form.
Jason Forde’s injury robs Tipp of a 95% free-taker — meaning Gearoid O’Connor has a silky pair of wrists to fill in this area — with Mark Kehoe, defender Eoghan Connolly, goalkeeper Rhys Shelly, and ‘Bonner’ Maher all drafted into the team.
Kehoe starts on merit after hitting 1-4 when subbed in against Cork, and his impact off the bench in the 2021 Munster final — albeit with the game gone — shows he is able for the pace against Limerick.
Connolly did well in the league semi-final loss and his 6’4” frame should be of use, while Maher was poor at full-forward in that game but may provide some grit further out the field here.
The goalkeeping change, however, is interesting as it may prove to be a baptism of fire for Shelly. Nickie Quaid, of course, is the best in the business — particularly with restarts.
We have mentioned the woes in the Treaty panel but let us not forget that Cahill is making do without Forde, Barry Heffernan, Craig Morgan, Paddy Cadell, and Ger Browne — all of whom would play a part if fully fit. Both panels are being tested.
The potential match-ups in this game are mouthwatering. The headline act might well be Alan Tynan v Will O’Donoghue and, let’s just say, skin and hair may well be flying for the throw-in.
With Johnny Ryan on the bench, perhaps Cathal Barrett will be given the role of following Peter Casey up and down the field — with Tipp hoping the Holycross-Ballycahill man can also get on the ball out the field.
Aaron Gillane has hurt Tipp with his paw and taste for goals over recent seasons, and perhaps Michael Breen will be his latest foe.
Connolly versus Seamus Flanagan may well be another match-up.
Should Hegarty hit form, and Tom Morrissey continue his brilliant career with another big display, there is good reason to favour Limerick.
They have a settled team, a balanced look, and so many weapons from deep.
Can Tipp stop Kyles Hayes’ bursts, pick up Barry Nash when he drives on, and prevent Declan Hannon from dominating?
Will Cahill tell his Tipp team to sit back on puckouts and see if Dan Morrissey and Mike Casey can work the ball out with the same composure in the absence of Finn?
The myriad subplots make this an intriguing clash. After three very poor campaigns, Tipp have a chance to lay down the ultimate marker.
Seven seasons into the hugely successful Kiely-Kinnerk project, the legacy of matching Kilkenny’s four-in-a-row of All-Ireland titles hangs in the balance.
There is nothing to suggest this mean green machine won’t find an answer on Sunday.
