Cats to turn tables on Tipperary

IT’S hardly a coincidence that Kilkenny and Tipperary — generally perceived as the two sides best qualified to win out the championship — should be meeting in today’s final of the Allianz NHL.

Quite apart from the happenings of last year, these have been most consistent in competition so far this season and, crucially, are better equipped in terms of forward power than all of the chasing pack. The only real surprise is that the counties haven't met in a decider and that was in the "home" final for 35 years!

Experience, both as a player and a coach, has taught him valuable lessons about the uncertainty of sport. Recent results, including defeat at the hands of today's opponents in a splendid contest in Nowlan Park, and a draw with Wexford at the same venue last Sunday, prove his point that the dual champions are far from invincible.