OISÍN O’DONOGHUE credited Tipperary’s experienced stars for making his step up to senior hurling so smooth.
The goal-poaching prodigy netted game-clinching strikes against Waterford and Galway off the bench.
He joined Darragh McCarthy and Sam O’Farrell in winning an All-Ireland Under-20 title last month and remains eligible for another tilt at that grade next year.
Tipp are blending a youthful team around an established core and O’Donoghue feels that has made the adjustment more straightforward.
He said: “To play with the likes of Noel McGrath, Ronan Maher, John McGrath, Jason Forde and the boys is huge.
“They make it very easy for us. All they do is show you the way and you follow them.
“They’re real leaders, so if you’re following them, you’re not doing too badly.
“Séamus Kennedy, Eoghan Connolly and Jake Morris . . . every single one of them.
“It’s a dressing room of lads just trying to help each other out and a group of lads looking to achieve the same goal. When that’s the case, it’s a breeze.
“It’s having a chat with them when you need it. They’re always there — just top men.”
Tipp will make their first Croke Park appearance since 2019 in Sunday week’s All-Ireland SHC semi-final against Kilkenny.
Twelve players who featured against Galway will be playing their first Championship game at HQ and O’Donoghue cannot wait.
He said: “It’s a dream to get to Croke Park and it’s another step forward for this team.
“It’s something that we set as a target at the start of the year, to get back there. We’re looking forward to it.
“We know the Tipp and Kilkenny rivalry and it’s a big opportunity for us to perform.”
O’Donoghue began the Championship outside the matchday panel but forced his way into the fold with his eye for goal.
He has more than repaid Liam Cahill’s faith with his impact off the bench.
The Cashel King Cormacs teen found the net within 20 seconds of his introduction against Waterford.
He whistled a shot inches over the bar against Laois before he buried Galway’s hopes when picked out by Noel McGrath.
He returned the favour by unselfishly teeing up a point for the Loughmore veteran.
O’Donoghue recalled: “Noel being Noel McGrath passed me the ball. He’ll put it wherever you want so that’s just Noel McGrath for you.
“He put it on a plate for me and it was up to me to finish it. Thank God it hit the back of the net.”