Munster U-21 hurling final preview

The captains of both Tipperary and Clare were in attendance today in Killaloe ahead of their Bord Gáis Energy Munster GAA Hurling U-21 final clash on Wednesday evening.

Padraic Maher of Tipperary and Clare's John Conlon met at Killaloe Bridge to publicise one of the most eagerly anticipated clashes of the summer.

Tipperary's form at this level is well known. Only twice in the last decade have they failed to make it to the Munster final and out of the seven appearances to date, they have won on four occasions.

In last year's Munster campaign, it was Waterford that put them to the sword, but this year there was no repeat as they beat a very impressive Cork side away from home at Páirc Uí Chaoímh. In this their eighth Munster U-21 final appearance of the decade, they will be keen to reclaim a title they last won in 2008.

Up until last year, bar a couple of Munster final appearances, Clare had little or no form at U-21 level. But all that was swept aside when they became the story of the hurling year as they overcame Limerick, Waterford, Galway and Kilkenny en route to maiden Munster and All-Ireland titles.

The scenes in Croke Park that September day will never be forgotten by all that witnessed them and you'd imagine that having waited so long, this bunch of players will be slow to release their grip on a title they battled so hard to win.

A number of hurlers on both sides have lined out for their respective senior teams and much will be expected from stars such as Bord Gáis Energy ambassadors Darach Honan, Noel McGrath and Padraic Maher.

Wednesday night also sees the Bord Gáis Energy Ulster Hurling U-21 final taking place between Armagh and Antrim at Casement Park, throw in at 7.30pm.

At Semple Stadium, the throw in for the Bord Gáis Energy Munster GAA Hurling U-21 final is also at 7.30pm.