When did a white flag represent a victory? When Diarmuid Kirwan raised one in last year's All Ireland Senior Hurling Semi Final between Tipp and Galway to signal Noel McGrath's entry to the Croke Park cauldron just weeks after battling testicular cancer. It was his own personal win, even though Tipp lost on the day, despite Seamus Callinan's heroics.
One of the enduring images of the season was then Galway boss Anthony Cunningham comiserating with the Loughmore Castleiney clubman after the final whistle, widely shared on social media.
That was then this is now.
The Premier senior hurler has another accolade after being named as Tipperary person of the year for 2015 by the Tipperary Association in Dublin
Tipp open their Allianz league campaign on Saturday against Dublin in Thurles, with the 2010 All Ireland winner told Today FM's Paul Collins he is glad to be just back vying for his place this season and is advising men to act fast if they suspect they may be heading for ill health.
