Tipp’s greater need can win the day

I’m relishing tomorrow’s clash of Kilkenny and Tipperary, the two standout teams of recent years.

Every time they’ve met that period the hurling has been absolutely brilliant. Even last year, when Tipperary were hammered in the All-Ireland semi-final, Kilkenny were exceptional. I’m looking forward to the same again in Nowlan Park, and I don’t think I’m going to be disappointed.

The fact it’s on in Kilkenny is significant. After the developments of recent years Nowlan Park is now up there with any venue in the country. I expect to see its capacity of over 30,000 fully tested and boy, will it be passionate! One thing this Kilkenny outfit has done with every opponent they’ve met in the Cody era — they’ve broken their spirit.