for the fourth consecutive year, tipperary faced kilkenny in the all-ireland series on 19 august 2012. kilkenny entered this all-ireland semi-final with questionable form and intimations of mortality. after a good first half, tipp led by 1-10 to 1-9 at half-time and an exciting second half was in prospect. this did not materialise and kilkenny blew tipperary off the pitch in the second half, outscoring them 3-15 to 0-5.