THEY’VE been meeting like this for generations but their feelings for each other have never softened. Kilkenny and Tipperary have declined since the thunderous finals of 2009 and 2010 and this pairing was a long shot in June when Tipperary were diverted into the qualifiers and Kilkenny were grappling with Galway. But they’re here now and they have eyes only for each other.
The GAA’s expectation is that Croke Park will be sold out today despite Kilkenny unexpectedly returning 1,000 Davin Stand tickets on Friday, reportedly complaining about the poor sightlines in that part of the stadium. For the first time, All-Ireland final tickets went on general sale on the GAA’s website and were snapped up in an hour.
However, GAA season-ticket holders were e-mailed on Friday offering the chance to buy terrace tickets, suggesting that Croke might not be full to the brim this afternoon. The 2009 All-Ireland final between these teams attracted an attendance of 82,106.
Neither team reported any late injury concerns. Michael Cahill will be on the bench after an injury-ravaged summer; he suffered another setback after the semi-final victory over Cork.
Henry Shefflin couldn’t force his way into Kilkenny’s starting team in his bid to win a 10th All-Ireland medal. If he comes off the bench the likelihood is that his 70th championship appearance will be his last.
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Tommy Walsh hasn’t seen any game time since Kilkenny’s Leinster semi-final replay victory over Galway in June and this will probably be his last appearance in a Kilkenny jersey as well. For Tipperary, Eoin Kelly and John O’Brien are in a similar position.
The bookmakers make Kilkenny slight favourites but one firm clipped the odds on the draw from 10s into 9/1. The last two finals ended level but in 23 championship meetings Kilkenny and Tipp have never tied. Could they? Why not? They’ve done everything else.