Former Tipp star: Ref Brian Gavin 'can’t take dictatorship from the sideline'

Woodlock says that while Kilkenny will be happy with the news that Gavin is the man in the middle again, Tipp fans are “apprehensive.”

Former Tipperary star James Woodlock has appealed for "fairness" from referee Brian Gavin in Sunday’s All-Ireland senior hurling final against Kilkenny, writes Jackie Cahill.

Tipp’s record against the Cats in big championship games in recent seasons isn’t good, as Kilkenny won the 2011 and 2014 finals, the latter a replay, as well as a 2013 qualifier at Nowlan Park, all games the Offaly whistler took charge of.