For the first time in a decade if someone told you that it would be a Kilkenny vs Tipperary final, you would be surprised. It is fair to say Kilkenny are in transition and Tipperary are showing glimpses of their brilliance. But the cream always rises to the top and these two counties live and breath hurling. Kilkenny beat the favourites Limerick last night in an epic battle. Tipperary overcame Wexford today and for a time Wexford were going through. However they could not finish the job and Tipperary's experience in championship semi finals saw them through the tough time. Patience was the key as Wexford were trying to hang on to the lead just walloping the sliothar up the field in a hope that it would reach a Wexford Jersey but Lee Chin the Wexford superstar was not catching ball like he normally does.
But it wasn't all rosey for Tipperary. They put the ball in the net 4 times but only 1 counted. Some refereeing decisions were questionable. Plus John McGrath got sent off on his second yellow on the 45th minute. Not only that but Tipperary conceded two second half goals. So it was not looking good with only 14 men on the pitch. Wexford just could not finish the job.
Whether it was a stroke of genius by Tipp manager Liam Sheedy introducing 5 substitutes between the 50th and 60th minute is up for debate. Grasping at straws may be another way of looking at it but we will go with the former because Tipperary were victorious in the end.
Ronan Maher was awarded man of the match for Tipperary putting in a great perfromance.
Tipperary will play Kilkenny in the All Ireland final. What a day that will be. My wife's family are all Kilkenny. My family are Tipp. There is no love lost between the two counties. It is equivalent to United versus Liverpool in the UK. This will be huge. Both teams have not been at their best this whole championship but they still ended up in the All Ireland final. Every game these two teams play they throw everything at it. This will be the same. 86,000 tickets in Croke Park are up for grabs and there will be trouble getting them. This will be sold out. Its Kilkenny versus Tipp. This is huge.