Watch the MHC final between Cork and Tipperary and the SHC final between Kilkenny and Limerick live on RTÉ Two and RTÉ.ie/sport this Sunday from 12.30pm to 5.35pm. Live updates on RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ Aertel. Watch Up for the Match on RTÉ One on Saturday from 10.40pm
Kilkenny v Limerick, All-Ireland SHC final, Sunday, 2 September, 3.30pm
It’s the All-Ireland SHC final of 2007, and the big question is, ‘will it be a repeat of 1973 or 1974?’
We’re always tempted to look at the history of All-Ireland pairings, even when it has been 33 years since the two counties in question met. It was Kilkenny who were hurling kings in ’74. The previous year, it was Limerick who had triumphed over the Cats.
But that’s history. This is now. And the reality is that Limerick have an incredibly tough task if they are to put the finishing touch to what has been a fantastic year for Richie Bennis and his charges.
There has hardly been a more efficient run to a final than Kilkenny’s. Offaly and Wexford were gobbled up in Leinster, before Ger Loughnane’s Galway and poor Wexford (again) were brushed aside in the All-Ireland series.
In between, Kilkenny had to deal with the tragedy of the death of Vanessa McGarry - wife of veteran goalkeeper James. It is a mark of how focused this Cats side is that such a disastrous event had no affect on their on-field activities.
Strangely enough, Henry Shefflin, who has hit 0-43 in four games, has had a quiet year by his standards. ‘King’ Henry, however, will be in his element on Sunday, and only a fool would bet against him having a major part to play in a 30th Liam McCarthy success for the Noresiders.
A look at the rest of the Kilkenny squad shows few, if any, weaknesses.
Full-back Noel Hickey and goalkeeper PJ Ryan have been dealing with hamstring and arm injuries in the run-up. Ironically, McGarry could regain the number one jersey if Ryan does not make a sufficient recovery from the broken arm he picked up in the semi-final against Wexford. Cats manager Brian Cody is not at the helm this long for no reason and will take no chances with either crucial position.
Limerick have no injury worries, allowing Bennis the luxury of naming an unchanged line-up.
A lot has been written about Brian Begley in the past three weeks that does not stand up under scrutiny. The giant full-forward was very quiet in the Munster final loss to Waterford in Semple Stadium and he was equally ineffectual in the quarter-final against Clare.
The Mungret man did come good in the closing stages of the semi-final against the Deise, but one swallow does not make a summer. He needs to be a constant threat this Sunday if Limerick are to add to their tally of eight All-Ireland titles.
Because Limerick play a traditional style of hurling, the idea that they are a one-dimensional side with a long, high ball to Begley their only option once in possession has gained unwarranted credence.
There were countless occasions in the first half of the semi-final that Andrew O’Shaughnessy was picked out in space by a clever diagonal pass.
The ideas they use are quite simple, but it has been Limerick’s ability to effectively put them into practice them that has seen them thrill their supporters and many neutrals since early June.
While O’Shaughnessy and Moran are the mainstays of the Shannonsiders’ attack, Sunday could produce unlikely heroes in the shape of wing-forwards Michael Fitzgerald and Sean O’Connor.
Both men were substituted the last day. Fitzgerald turned in a disappointing display against Waterford, but was Limerick’s best forward in the Munster final and could yet prove to be a man for the big occasion. O’Connor was taken off before referee Seamus Roche brandished a second yellow card. In fairness to O’Connor, the official gave at least two, if not three, dubious decisions against him.
In defence, Limerick are solid, not spectacular, which is exactly how you want your backline to be. Veteran wing-back Mark Foley will be hoping he can win a medal that eluded the stars of ’94 and ’96.
Young Seamus Hickey has been a huge success in the corner, while centre-back Brian Geary’s reputation has grown to match his physical stature. The latter must be more careful with his distribution, though, which has been wayward at times.
In conclusion, a fascinating contest awaits us. Will it be Kilkenny, with the weight of history behind them that will write another glorious chapter in black and amber annals of hurling?
Or, will it be Limerick, the Rip van Winkle of the ancient game, that finally dispense of the ‘sleeping giants’ tag?
You have to expect a Kilkenny win, but everyone outside that hurling stronghold will hope to see Richie Bennis hug every man, woman and child in Dublin on Sunday evening.
Verdict: Kilkenny.
Séamus Leonard
