Cork defender Robert Downey believes the All-Ireland hurling final clash with Tipperary is a 50:50 type game, despite the Rebels being considered favourites to lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup.
With the dominant side of much of the last decade Limerick out of the competition, the Munster champions showed their credentials by demolishing Dublin to reach the showpiece occasion.
It's a first-ever meeting between the counties in an All-Ireland final, adding to many tales of provincial clashes which the Cork captain is familiar with.
Downey told RTÉ Sport: "You’re probably reared on stories of Cork and Tipp when you're growing up. The older crowd in Cork would always be talking about the great days when playing Tipp in Munster finals and things like that and I'm sure it's the same in Tipperary. It's a real traditional game, two traditional counties going at it.
"We've played them twice this year and it's like any game at this stage of the year to be honest. There's going to be nothing in it. It's 50:50, everything will have to be fought for and I suppose on the day it'll just be a bounce of the ball here or there or a decision here and there that'll probably swing it."
Cork are in the decider for the second year running and third time in the last five years.
It is not a new feeling for Pat Ryan’s side, but going one step further for the first time in two decades is the big goal.
Downey said: "As a team and as a group we're really looking forward to the game. I think at the start of the year every team's goal and ambition is to get to the All-Ireland final.
"We're there now and we're really looking forward to it. I think you would have your own routine that you would stick to. It's important to block out a few extra bits that might go on today too.
"Look, we're lucky that we were up there this time last year and we know the running of things and we stay in the same place and things like that. We would stick to our own routines and what works for us. I think it's important. Obviously you're up there for a reason and you don't want to get distracted."
'Two traditional counties going at it' - @OfficialCorkGAA on facing @TipperaryGAA again, this time in an All-Ireland final #rtegaa #sundaygame pic.twitter.com/pfqqC3blYE
— RTÉ GAA (@RTEgaa) July 14, 2025
Downey has played a restricted role this year due to injury.
But he has timed it well to start the semi-final victory over Dublin and be in prime conditions for the showdown with Tipp on Sunday.
He explained: "Injury can be a small bit frustrating and things like that but I suppose I was lucky that it wasn't one long bad injury. It was just a couple of two or three different small niggling injuries where I was able to get over quite easily but it just took a small by the time.
"I think it shows the importance of your squad and the depth in your squad that if one fella does go down with an injury, it's just the attitude is next man up.
"You saw that in the last couple of games we just had guys who fitted in seamlessly and were able to perform."
Watch the All-Ireland Hurling Championship final, Cork v Tipperary, on Sunday from 2.15pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app. Listen to commentary on RTÉ Radio 1. Watch highlights on The Sunday Game from 9.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player
