Tipperary centre-back Ronan Maher believes that the All-Ireland SHC final could well be decided by whichever side gains control of the middle of the field on Sunday.
Maher highlighted Kilkenny’s physical attributes and the need for the Premier County to retain their own ball.
“I think it’s going to be a huge battle in that middle third,” the Thurles Sarsfields clubman told RTÉ Sport.
“I’m really looking forward to it now, passing the time is the main objective at the minute”
“Kilkenny have huge, huge men with lots of experience - brilliant hurlers.
“We just have to match them in that middle third, win our own ball and take it from there.”
Maher has migrated to the centre of the defence from a position on the wing, with the 20-year-old now lining up beside big brother Pádraic.
The younger of the two admitted to benefiting from the guidance of the most familiar of figures, while not wilting in his shadow.
“It’s a huge help beside me,” he said.
“He brings a lot of experience. He’s been there since ‘09 and he’s still a young man. He also has a huge experience from a club point of view as well.
“It’s a dream to play alongside him and be part of that team.
“He gives me a few guidelines along the way but I kind of stick to my own routine.”
Maher was on the panel when Tipperary last made it to a final in 2014 but didn’t have the opportunity to feature as Kilkenny inflicted a 2-17 to 2-14 defeat on his side.
“It’s my first time playing in an All-Ireland final.
“I was on the panel in 2014 but didn’t get on the field that day.
“I’m really looking forward to it now, passing the time is the main objective at the minute.”
The prospect of a first appearance in hurling’s most important match doesn’t faze Maher, as he concluded: “I’ll have a few nerves, that’s natural enough, but as soon as the ball is thrown in I think that all goes away.”
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