the third installment of kilkenny and tipperary's all-ireland trilogy came in 2011. it was the first time since 1903 that two teams had faced each other in three successive all-ireland decider. tipperary went into the game as favourites, however, it proved to be the most disappointing of the three all-ireland deciders. kilkenny made a flying start, racing into a five-point lead inside the opening thirteen minutes. it took until the 16th minute before tipperary registered their opening score. michael fennelly and richie hogan grabbed the vital goals, late in each half, while the henry shefflin celebrated his record-equalling eighth all-ireland medal triumph with a seven-points haul.