With a blend of experience and youth, Ronan Maher credited the performances of the 23-year-old goalkeeper Brian Hogan with bringing solidity to Tipperary's back-line.
The largest defeat suffered by any Brian Cody team in an All-Ireland final, it is worth considering that Kilkenny's 0-20 is the lowest recorded tally of any beaten finalist since Tipperary managed only 1-16 in the 2011 decider.
More intriguing still, not since Tipperary in 2009 has a losing side finished up the game goalless.
Truthfully, Tipperary's goalkeeper Brian Hogan will scarcely be recalled for making any great save in what was a remarkably solid defensive performance from his side on Sunday afternoon.
However, in a year where he followed in his father Ken's footsteps and won an All-Ireland title as Tipperary's first choice 'keeper, Ronan Maher outlined why he believes the Lorrha-Dorrha club-man has been essential to Tipp's resurgence.
"He's a very versatile player," noted Maher of Hogan in conversation with Off the Ball from Tipperary's hotel.
"He's got a great leap as well and got caught twice now by hawkeye, but I think that's a skill in itself and he should be let away with it.
"But he has been unbelievable all year and was the same again yesterday."
Given Maher's position within the Tipperary team, he is especially pleased with the relationship between Hogan and the full-backs.
"It's great to have him behind you when you're playing full-back," admitted Maher.
"We got on well yesterday and no goals conceded, so thankfully we'll have days like that again.
"We aim for keeping a clean sheet, that's what we set out for at the start of the game and thankfully we did that."
You can also read the thoughts of Niall O'Meara on Eamon O'Shea and the current Senior Hurling Championship structure, and discover Cathal Barrett's understanding of Richie Hogan's red card here.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
