The best of rivals, the best of rivalries.
Kilkenny and Tipperary. It's hurling's answer to Frazier and Ali, hurling's version of Real Madrid v Barcelona. Only this is even better, this is even more visceral.
Ever since Henry Shefflin's penalty broke Tipperary hearts in 2009, there has been a common obsession between these two hurling heavyweights.
No other counties came close for years, Kilkenny and Tipp were out on their own.
Lar Corbett struck back for the Premier before Henry and co. restored natural order in 2011 and 2012. 2014 could have went either way but Cody's Cats edged it and the Premier were left licking wounds.
They made up for it in 2016 with Seamie Callanan on fire and far and wide they agreed that Kilkenny v Tipperary finals were the best finals.
Somehow, both have reached the summit again and with no silverware between them this year, they're both starving to add another Liam MacCarthy Cup to the roll of honour.
To build up to it, SportsJOE's GAA Hour are hosting a live show in Liberty Hall next Thursday with legends and hurling experts alike pitting their wits to preview what promises to be an All-Ireland final to remember.
That man Corbett will be joined by Kilkenny legends JJ Delaney,Charlie Carter and Eoin Larkin while Diarmuid the Rock O'Sullivan will provide some objective analysis.
Conor Moore will be there on the night for an unmissable live set of his hurling impressions while there are more guests to be announced.
It's one not to be missed for hurling fans.
Get involved!
WHERE: Liberty Hall, Dublin.
WHEN: Thursday 15 August. Doors 6.30pm.
WHO: JJ Delaney, Lar Corbett, Diarmuid Rock O'Sullivan, Charlie Carter, Eoin Larkin and
Conor Sketches.
HOW: Register on the form below.
Tickets are, of course,
FREE but also
limited, so please fill out the form below to secure your place for an unmissable night of proper football chat.
Click
here if you can't see the form.
