Fans lay claim to Liam before a ball is even thrown in

Grassroots GAA fans in Cork and Limerick make their predictions ahead of one of the most eagerly anticipated All-Ireland senior hurling finals

Residents of Shandon St, Cork, with the Rebel Supporters Band pictured on Church St, rallying ahead of the All-Ireland hurling final. Picture: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision

Whacky reckons Limerick have the stamina to crush Cork but Pa the Piper and Joe Cole are confident that the resurgent Rebels have what it takes to topple the Treaty county.

After a week of pundits and predictions, build-up and banter, grassroots GAA fans in Cork and Limerick just want the ball thrown in for one of the most eagerly anticipated All-Ireland senior hurling finals for years — and any spare tickets that might be floating around too, of course.