McGRATH CUP SEMI-FINALS: Tipperary 1-15 UCC 0-10TIPPERARY MANAGER John Evans has decided to maintain a dignified silence on the hot topic that has dominated the GAA in recent days. Evans insists that he will abide by the wishes of the Tipperary County Board on the issue of payments to managers.

Almost two years ago, Croke Park scuppered moves to install Evans as Director of Football in Tipperary. The Kerry native nevertheless remained in charge of the seniors and is also involved in the coaching of various underage teams, but Evans receives no official remuneration for his efforts.

And Evans said: “Whatever the county board decide, that’s what I go under. If that’s not payment to managers, then so be it. I’m under the umbrella of the county board.

“My term is supposed to finish with them this year and we’ll see where we go from there.”

Tipp, with Hugh Coghlan in fine form, booked their place in a first McGrath final since 2003 with victory over an understrength UCC.

TIPPERARY: P Fitzgerald; J Ryan, P Codd, A Morrissey; L Egan, T Ryan, B Fox (0-1); B Jones, E Ryan; H Coghlan (0-3), D Butler, P Acheson (0-1); C Sweeney (0-1), P Austin (0-1), B Grogan (1-6, 0-4f, 0-1 45). Subs: R Costigan for J Ryan (46 mins), M Quinlivan for Butler (57 mins), S Grogan for E Ryan (62 mins), S Ryan (0-1) for Austin (68 mins), B Mulvihill (0-1) for Coghlan (70+1 mins).

UCC: S Mellet; M Galvin, D Culhane, R Buckley; L Jennings, A Greaney, M Hickey; P Lucey, J O'Sullivan (0-3, 0-2 frees); B Daly, D O'Sullivan, S Beston; G Ryan (0-1), B Coughlan, G O'Grady (0-6, 5f). Subs: O Mulrooney for Coughlan (51 mins), E Buckley for Daly (65 mins).

Referee: M Condon (Waterford).