Enquiring reporter: Who will win tomorrow’s All-Ireland SHC final?
“It’s not as clear-cut as people are making it out to be. As Galway showed against Cork, it’s hard to put two good back-to-back performances together. They weren’t nearly as impressive that day as they were against Kilkenny but they’ll have to repeat that performance from the Leinster final. Kilkenny will be making arrangements for Galway and if I were a gambling man I’d think Kilkenny would win it. They know what this day is about, they’ve been in the last six All-Ireland finals.
“Every dog has its day and I wouldn’t say Kilkenny are unbeatable, but they were surprised by Galway in the last game.
“If I was a Galway supporter I’d be concerned how far Joe Canning was straying from the Cork goal. He was back there knocking down fellas but he is at his most dangerous around the square and whatever supply he gets he usually makes the most of it. He’s fitter this year than he’s ever been and when he’s at his bestnobody will stop him.
“But I still expect Kilkenny to have enough to win.”
Verdict: Kilkenny
“It’s hard to go against Kilkenny but I would give Galway a good fighting chance of beating them again. Kilkenny might have flattered to deceive in the semi-final because Tipperary more or less beat themselves last month.
“Even at this stage, it’s hard to know where Kilkenny are. Galway, at their best, are a mighty prospect and I think it’ll come down to a battle between the inside forwards on each team. If Joe Canning is held then that’s that for Galway, in my opinion. But if he gets a goal with an early 21 or penalty, which is easily conceivable, Galway will be on their way.
“Kilkenny showed against Tipperary that even if you stop Henry Shefflin or Richie Power they still have the forwards to punish you. I think the speculation about the game being over-physical and pressure on the referee to handle things is rubbish. It will be a hard, robust game with each side going hammer and tongs. What else would you expect in an All-Ireland final?
But I think there’ll be little out of place in the way of ugliness.”
Verdict: Kilkenny
“Like every dog on the street, I find it hard to see past Kilkenny. I’m a big fan of Joe Canning and any team with him in it is in with a shout. Galway should come out with all guns blazing and can take confidence from the Leinster final. Kilkenny are the best team around but they’re also humans, as that defeat showed, but you’ll find neutrals’ hearts are saying Galway but heads are screaming Kilkenny.
“Brian Cody won’t need to do much to motivate them. He’s concentrated more on wanting the referee to let the game flow and it’s a case of ‘if Galway also want to bring an edge then let’s go for it’.
“That’s exactly what Cody hopes will happen. People talk about Shefflin but if I was buying a hurler right now it would be Michael Fennelly. The way he links the backs and the forwards, his aggression in winning ball, his strength, his great power runs. If he brings his ‘A’ game how do you stop him?
“I haven’t missed an All-Ireland final since 1978 when I came down in the boot of my brother’s car and I wouldn’t miss this one for the world.”
Verdict: Kilkenny
“I think Kilkenny, for the simple reason that you don’t beat them twice in the same year. Galway still have a great opportunity but it’s a mental thing for them.
“They’re preparing to beat the greatest team of all time for the second time in succession and if they have a good game plan to back themselves up they are capable of doing it. But it will come down to mental resilience. Kilkenny are proven masters in that regard.
“I see Kilkenny putting together a tactic to curtail the influence of Joe Canning. He’s the leader of the orchestra, their talisman. Henry Shefflin might be Kilkenny’s talisman but they’re not as dependent on him.
“As for the referee, if I could be slightly critical, I think Barry Kelly has a problem as he has been very central in games. He has to realise he can control the game without being central. He has a big role to play and if his focus is right he can do that.”
Verdict: Kilkenny
Compiled by John Fogarty
