This year's All-Ireland hurling final between Kilkenny and Limerick should be a fascinating affair. The two sides served up a brilliant decider in 2022, with all indications being that this summer's edition could be an even greater feast for the senses.
In a championship that many viewed as being wide open, there is no doubt that the two teams still standing are the best in the country. Limerick's semi-final victory was about as emphatic as you are going to get, while Kilkenny were massively impressive in their win over Clare.
As for the final, it will be interesting to see how the match plays out.
John Kiely's men will be favourites, going into the fixture hoping to win their fourth consecutive All-Ireland title. In saying that, the Leinster champions showed last season that they are capable to putting it up to them on the biggest stage.
Cummins names two players to watch in All-Ireland hurling final
When it comes to have could have a decisive say in the All-Ireland hurling final, there are no shortage of talented players on either side that could end up winning the game for their county.
In saying that, two of the marquee forward on display are two of the more likely options.
Aaron Gillane and Eoin Cody have both been in superb form this season, with the pair firmly in the running for hurler of the year honours.
Speaking on The Sunday Game, Brendan Cummins said that those two players could have the decisive say in who ultimately comes out on top in the final.
Brendan Cummins is looking forward to an All-Ireland SHC final which will feature two outstanding forwards.#sundaygame #rtegaa pic.twitter.com/E8ZWbDl0aO
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 9, 2023
Both teams in the final now, with Aaron Gillane and Brian Cody, when the ball goes in, it sticks.
They’re an absolute unique animal in our game, the way the modern game has going. You have the battle out around this famous 'middle third’ but when it goes in, it’s 2-v-1 inside there and, in fairness to Cody today, it stuck.
Even with the sweeper that was sitting there today, Seadna Morey, it didn’t matter and that’s the key for the two teams that are in the final now.
The killers inside, when it goes in, they have that unique talent, all of the time. When it goes in, they hold it and bring others into the game.
While there are plenty of brilliant players in both squads, you get the sense that a moment of magic from one of those two could end up being a decisive factor in the All-Ireland hurling final.
It will be interesting to see how it plays out.
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