Sunny side up for the men of Galway

Here we are, eyeing one of this decade’s most intriguing hurling contests.

Why does the atmosphere feel so subdued? There has been little of the bite expected when anticipating these encounters, little of the sovereign bitterness. Pete Finnerty, sterling Galway wing back of the 1980s, once stated that hurling is a wonderful game except that Tipperary play it.

Flat lead up because these counties are out of their comfort zone? You would think so. Galway are nervous as slight favourites (especially since they occupy a warmer status in public consciousness). Tipperary are uncertain as slight underdogs.