This is the challenge, where we see the real men. Are they leaders?

Diarmuid O’Flynn

If both teams play up to expectations, then it will come down to preparation, which management team has done their homework better.

All the above is the studied opinion of Offaly manager Mike McNamara, the man who trained Clare to three Munster titles, two All-Irelands.

“I lived in south Kilkenny for 15 or 16 years and the Leinster final was the big hurling occasion I used to look forward to every year, so I’ve been at more Leinster finals than Munster finals as an adult. But the Munster final is special.

“Hurling is changing, everybody now knows what is required, the pace that is required, the standard. The physical challenges are there in Leinster now too; maybe they always were, but we didn’t tend to notice them as much, the great clashes in Munster seemed to be very physical.

“Tactics will also come into play - John Conran’s management team and my management team will be trying tactically to outdo one another. Two fast full-forward lines, when we look at Wexford, we will certainly be making efforts to cut out that fabulous supply of ball they got against Kilkenny, but they’ll be trying to do the same against us.

“Someone asked me where this match is going to be won - I said I hadn’t a clue for the first time in my life. There are tactical battles to be fought all over. Both full-forward lines have been winning games - that will be the biggest battle of all.”

Consequently, McNamara and his selectors have chosen a giant half-forward line, with Rory and Gary Hanniffy each around 6ft 4in, Joe Brady not much shorter. Up against the Rory McCarthy, Declan Ruth and John O’Connor line that was so successful in breaking Kilkenny, this will be a critical area.

Having a trio that should be capable of winning puck-outs which ever way they come high or low, would seem to give Offaly the advantage. “I’m sure the Wexford half-back line and midfield will have something to say about that,” says McNamara.

“I haven’t seen Adrian Fenlon playing like this since 1996/7. His touch, his first-time ball into the forwards, is pure class. Maybe we were looking to Kilkenny when we put it together, with three big men across there, and no-one envisaged Kilkenny losing that semi. They now present us with another half-back line which was far superior to Kilkenny.”

Apart from a first Leinster title since 1995, there is another huge incentive for both teams to win this game. While the winner can relax for six weeks ahead of the All-Ireland semi- final, the loser looks to the All-Ireland qualifier test. Against Clare. Not a prospect that appeals to the Scarriff publican. “I’d have to move up for a for a few weeks and get bed-and-breakfast somewhere.

“It’s a frightening prospect - Kilkenny, Cork, Galway, Tipperary, Clare, in the qualifiers, who would have thought it? Hurling this year is very much about what happens on the day; the gaps have closed, the old traditions are gone.

“We’re going to see it on Sunday, we’re going to find out what’s inside those jerseys made famous for the courage of those who have worn them down the years.

“They’re a new bunch, new names; Brendan Murphy has come out from under the shadow of Johnny Dooley, Michael Corley has emerged from the shadow of Johnny Pilkington, Cassidy, Franks, they also to have come out from the shadows of big names, men who were leaders.

“We need new leaders. This is the real challenge. Are they leaders? We’re going to find out.”