Ahead of the All-Ireland hurling final, we get the views of some interested observers as those fiercest of rivals Kilkenny and Tipperary collide again.
Tom Dempsey - All-Ireland winner with Wexford 1996
"In my book I think Tipperary have the slight edge in what will be a tough, bruising encounter. I think the slight underperformance in the semi-final against Galway will have focused their minds for the final.
"I also think the Michael Fennelly loss is huge for Kilkenny and around that diamond in the middle of the field the Cats may struggle to win telling ball because of his loss.
"Having John 'Bubbles' O'Dwyer on from the start will also aid Tipp's chances."
Verdict: Tipperary by 5
John McIntyre - Former Tipperary player and Galway and Offaly manager
"I think this game is a great opportunity for Tipperary, even though I don't diminish the magnitude of the task that's ahead of them. Kilkenny have won eight of the last ten All-Ireland finals. They know how to do it.
"If this game comes down to the wire, Kilkenny's temperament and their ability not to make mistakes at key moments will stand to them.
"That said, this one can go either way. Tipperary don't want things still in the balance heading down the stretch. If they have their noses in front at that crucial stage, then they have the scope and the talent to win it. If not I would have to fancy Kilkenny.
"Cody's side are masters at finishing out a game when they have the initiative."
Verdict: Kilkenny by 2
Cyril Farrell: Galway All-Ireland-winning manager 1980, '87 & '88
"You have the two best teams in the country in the final. Tipp will feel that they owe Kilkenny one after coming out the wrong side of narrow defeats in recent years. To that end, they'll be more pressure on Tipperary to win.
"Michael Fennelly's absence will be a huge loss for Kilkenny, but you can rely on Brian Cody to counteract that. You saw what Cody dd the last day when he sprung Liam Blanchfield and the player went on to make a real impact against Waterford.
"At the end of the day, it will come down to the respective forward lines. TJ Reid has had a quiet enough year so far. You could see him burst into life on Sunday.
"It's going to be a tight one, but you just have that feeling that Kilkenny may be hard to dislodge."
Verdict: Kilkenny by 1
Humphrey Kelleher - Former Dublin manager
"I think Tipperary are the better team all round and have better forwards. Kilkenny have a weakness in the half-back line and I think Tipp can exploit that.
"Waterford beat themselves in their semi-final with Kilkenny and the Cats looked liked they hadn't much gas left in the tank in the closing ten minutes of the replay."
Verdict: Tipperary by 4
Anthony Cunningham - Former Galway player and manager
"In what will be an intense game - a pressure cooker of a game - I'm going to go with Cats. I thought their performance against Waterford in the replay was the best performance from any team in the championship.
"Time and time again Kilkenny come out best when the pressure is on and they stood up well against Waterford in those closing minutes.
"Yes, Tipperary were excellent in the Munster final, but they weren't as fluid against Galway the last day and I still think they have more questions to answer than Kilkenny, who despite not having Michael Fennelly, have others who when required can make a mark."
Verdict: Kilkenny by 3
Tony Considine - Clare selector on 1995 and '97 All-Ireland-winning teams
"This All-Ireland is not an easy one to call. There are question marks hanging over both sides. Tipperary weren't great against Galway the last day and Kilkenny were lucky to get over Waterford.
"Everybody is talking about the loss of Michael Fennelly, but you can be sure everyone in that Kilkenny dressing room will go out wanting to win the All-Ireland for him.
"Michael Ryan has brought an extra edge to Tipperary, but sometimes having that extra bit of steel is not enough to beat Kilkenny.
"The Cats don't know when they are beaten and while most counties will want to see Tipp come through, that won't matter a jot to Cody and his men."
Verdict: Kilkenny by 2
Watch live coverage of Kilkenny v Tipperary on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player from 1405 and follow our live blog on RTE.ie. Listen live on RTÉ Radio 1 from 1300 to include coverage of the Tipperary v Limerick minor final and watch highlights of all the weekend's GAA action on The Sunday Game from 2130 on RTÉ Two.
