He struggled to understand the low energy levels on display, noting that his team were “just hurling in hope”. Even when they pulled within four points, he felt they were “hurling at half-throttle”.

“We have to throw off the shackles and have a good think about our personnel for the week. There’ll have to be consequences after today,” said Cahill.

“Some players, it just didn’t run for them and they’re going to have to make way for the next fella to give them a chance.

“There was a lot of talk during the week about Tipp not having a settled team. That doesn’t really concern me. We felt we had a very settled team coming in today with the way we trained.

“We loaded up our team as best we could to tackle Limerick in the areas that we knew they’d give us concern and put legs and speed into our team. That’s what we’ll try and do again now for six days’ time.

“We’re not going to take this lying down. There’s still six points on offer. People have to remember that. They’re three big games. We’ll be underdogs in every single one of them.” 

Cahill reflected on his time with Waterford, referring to a Derek McGrath comment from April 2022 that the team to beat the Déise will climb the Hogan Stand steps.

He hinted at signs that the players have gone back towards the style of play he implemented during his three-year tenure.

“Waterford are a very athletic team. Up to 18 months ago, they were branded as the second-best team in the country.

“Their former manager (McGrath) said whoever beats them goes up the steps of the Hogan Stand. That’s the reality of it.

“The same said person I haven’t heard sign nor light of him for the last 18 months but that’s there, it’s in print.

“They are a serious team, and the players seem to have found their style that really suits them. And had it in an All-Ireland final, semi-final, National League title. They’re hurling on all cylinders.

“They’re a team above all teams that really don’t fear Tipperary. Myself and Mikey Bevans are partly to blame for that, I suppose. They will not feel one bit intimidated by Tipperary coming to Walsh Park.

“That’s the challenge that lies ahead and we just have to be ready for it. If we’re not, we’re going to be in big trouble.” 

Cahill was asked what was the most disappointing aspect of the performance.

“Where do I start?” he replied. “Again, our energy levels, I can’t understand it. We just seem to be that little bit off the pace.

“I’m looking in at a team that were just hurling in hope. That is an awful place to be when you are coming into the lion’s den here to the All-Ireland champions, to their backyard.

“You need to be absolutely convinced that you are going to take that ball whether it be in a ruck or out of the air or taking on your man, you just have to be so sure of what you are about.

“Again, I say it, these boys are training fierce well but I don’t know what’s the case with them coming to the matchday field, it just doesn’t seem to be happening for them.” 

Conor Stakelum, Barry Heffernan, and Cathal Barrett all missed out after injuries and Cahill hopes to have some of them back into contention for next weekend. Barrett got some game time when featuring for his club Holycross-Ballycahill on Saturday.