It's hurling's big weekend and GAAGO has both Minor and Senior All-Ireland Finals as Kilkenny go for the double with Tipperary in their way in the Senior decider and Limerick providing the opposition in the Minor Final.
It's the most traditional of Finals with Brian Cody's Kilkenny and Eamon O'Shea's Tipperary facing off for Liam MacCarthy.
Brian Cody is looking to bring home the title for the tenth time as manager and the 35th time in total, while Tipp will be looking to secure their 27th title overall.
The counties met in a spectacular trilogy of finals from 2009 to 2011, with one Tipperary win sandwiched between two Kilkenny triumphs. It was a rivalry that captivated fans of the game, and there is much about Sunday's renewal that hints at another classic.
It's fair to say that not many experts would have predicted this final pairing at the start of the season. Tipp have been reinvigorated under Eamon O'Shea, and their blend of youth and experience has helped the side to grow and develop over the course of the year. Kilkenny too have refocused following last year's hiatus, and Brian Cody has remolded his side and brought them all the way once more.
The Cats, after winning the League, cruised through Leinster, and perhaps expected more of a challenge from Dublin in the final. They got all the challenge they wanted from Limerick in the semi-final, and meeting that challenge required all the hurling fury and skill they could muster in a deluge at Croke Park.
Tipperary lost out to Kilkenny in a League final they were somewhat fortunate to make, and exited Munster at an early stage at the hands of Limerick. They built steadily throughout the qualifiers before blowing Cork away in the semi-final.
Both teams have players that are somewhat untested on final day, and both sides have players in reserve that are considered legends in their respective counties. Both sides have something to prove to the doubters who wrote them off. Both sides have a tradition that demands ultimate success, and both sides know that beating the other to win the All-Ireland is the sweetest victory of them all.
It's the biggest day in the Irish Sporting calendar and it's win or bust for both sides. The hurling storm clouds are gathering. Prepare for sporting greatness!
The curtain raiser on Sunday sees Kilkenny face Limerick for the Irish Press Cup, as the best two teams at this grade face off in Croke Park.
Kilkenny, just as at senior level, lead the way on the roll of honor and will be seeking their 21st title, and their first since 2010. Limerick have just three titles to their name, and have been waiting since 1984 to add to that list.
Kilkenny got off to the worst possible start by losing at home to Dublin and only scoring three points in their Leinster Championship opener. They recovered well from that and wins over Carlow and Laois set them up for a revenge win over the Dubs in the Leinster Final.
The semi-final with Waterford was an epic, with Kilkenny dethroning the reigning champions with a stellar display in extra time.
Limerick beat Tipperary and Cork in Munster before securing provincial honors with a replay win over Waterford in the final. Their win over Galway in the semi-final was touted by some experts as one of the finest display by a Minor team in the history of the competition.
Both counties are building on developing and successful teams at college level, with Kilkenny providing both finalists at that level earlier this year. Limerick are also building on successful development at this grade over the past few seasons, and have a burning sense of injustice still lingering since the Hawk-Eye fiasco of last season.
Minor Finals can be tough to call, especially considering that how players individually and collectively react on the big day is always an unknown. Kilkenny should have the bulk of the support in the ground, but Limerick seem a mature and driven outfit.
We have not had a draw in the Minor final for a few years. Don't bet against it.
Games can be purchased from www.gaago.ie on a pay-per-game basis at €14 a game for the All-Ireland Senior Semi-Finals and Finals or you can watch all remaining games live and also every game of the Championship season so far on demand for €110.
All GAAGO Season Pass holders will be able to enjoy the Final Minor matches as a bonus addition to their 2014 All Ireland Championship GAAGO packages. For pay-per-game customers, the Electric Ireland GAA Football & Hurling All-Ireland Minor Finals can be individually purchased for €10 from www.gaago.ie.
All-Ireland Hurling Championship Final: Kilkenny v Tipperary
Sunday 7 September (Throw-in 15:30 Irish time).
Comments