Sunday April 8

Allianz Hurling League Final

Kilkenny v Tipperary, Nowlan Park, 3.30pm

The bluebloods are set to collide again in front of a passionate Nowlan Park audience. That both Kilkenny and Tipperary arrive in this decider is a testament to how the young hurlers in the respective panels have adapted to the inter-county game.

Brian Cody and Michael Ryan have placed some emphasis on experimentation, seeking to unearth talent ahead of what promises to be a fascinating new Championship. Four matches in five weeks will examine resources, but the signs in Kilkenny and Tipperary are encouraging.

Kilkenny have responded well despite suffering two early defeats against Cork and Clare. Since losing to the Banner Kilkenny have stitched a five match winning sequence together. Waterford, Tipperary, Wexford (twice), and Offaly have all been outfoxed.

Established star have dropped back into the team seamlessly and are blending nicely with the emerging players. Suddenly Kilkenny are loaded with optimism once more and another League title would offer a reminder of the Cats’ prowess and ability to regenerate.

Tipperary, though, have quietly carried out their own little tests and arrive into this decider following an epic extra-time semi-final success over Limerick.

That encounter certainly went the distance, but Tipperary took plenty of positives. Ronan Maher’s sideline cuts were sublime, John ‘Bubbles’ O’Dwyer was afforded further time on the field, while Jason Forde’s accuracy has been a real feature in the spring.

The Silvermines clubman has accumulated 5-60 in the League thus far and his form in the Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup for UL was equally impressive.

At the opposite end of the field the influence of Walter Walsh and TJ Reid shouldn’t be underestimated either. Reid was splendid against Wexford at the penultimate stage, hitting 0-15, including four from play, while Walsh’s 2-11 in the competition illustrates his enduring value to the Kilkenny cause.

Elsewhere Martin Keoghan and Richie Leahy are amongst those continuing to impress for Kilkenny, Tipp have been boosted by Alan Flynn and Barry Heffernan’s development.

Significant reasons for optimism exist in Kilkenny and Tipperary. Will Kilkenny prevail on home turf once more? Can Tipperary claim a first League crown since 2008? Questions will be answered soon.

KILKENNY: Eoin Murphy; Joey Holden, Padraig Walsh, Paddy Deegan; Conor Delaney, Cillian Buckley, Enda Morrissey; Richie Leahy, James Maher; Martin Keoghan, TJ Reid, John Donnelly; Bill Sheehan, Walter Walsh, Alan Murphy.

TIPPERARY: Daragh Mooney; Alan Flynn, James Barry, Michael Cahill; Barry Heffernan, Padraic Maher, Ronan Maher; Brendan Maher, Seamus Kennedy; Sean Curran, Billy McCarthy, John McGrath; Michael Breen, Jason Forde, Willie Connors.