Tipperary v Waterford:THE MUNSTER final always runs the dangers of suffering from U2 syndrome: around almost as long as the famed Dublin four-piece, there are seasons when it simply cannot match the expectations it creates. As the GAA celebrates 125 years in Thurles tomorrow, this year's vintage could use a firecracker of a match. The Munster championship has been diverting so far without fully escaping the vague awareness that bigger battles lie further down the road.
With calls to radically shake up the hurling championship becoming louder, the view that the most famous provincial competition of them all has run its course is one that has its supporters. But tomorrow, the mood in Thurles will be inclined to nod fondly towards the great days of the past while hoping the latest teams to take the stage can produce a match that fits the occasion.
One reason for optimism is that throughout this decade, Waterford have provided a vital spark to this competition. This final will evoke memories of the passionate day seven years ago when they mastered the province after 39 years of disappointment with a blistering display against Tipperary, then defending Munster and All-Ireland champions. It was impossible then to imagine the abrupt way Justin McCarthy left his adopted county.
Waterford’s return to their first Munster final since 2004 comes when it remains to be seen if they have escaped the shadow of last September’s All-Ireland final defeat. Their semi-final win over Limerick, after a replay, was sound without being overly impressive and it gave them a quick return to this point.
But they are shorn of Ken McGrath and full forward Gary Hurney; there is still a cloud over the full fitness of Stephen Molumphy, while Dan Shanahan, named as a substitute, continues to search for the swashbuckling aptitude for goals that made him such a force a few seasons ago. Aidan Kearney comes in for Richie Foley in a switch and the experienced Jack Kennedy steps in to a full-forward line that has enough flair to produce a goal rush.
Tipperary, the defending champions, have had a steady pulse under Liam Sheedy and so it continues. No changes in the team, they have progressed steadily if unspectacularly. Their tendency to allow teams to come back at them is a concern and they may try to vary a game that demands a lot of running. Brendan Cummins is again in majestic form but other storied individuals, most notably Eoin Kelly, have yet to sparkle – and it would be no surprise if the Mullinahone man made a statement tomorrow.
Tipperary are organised and formidable and it would suit them to defend this auspicious Munster final year without yet reaching their peak.
TIPPERARY:B Cummins; P Stapleton, P Curran, C O'Brien; D Fanning, C O'Mahoney, P Maher: J Woodlock, S McGrath; P Kerwick, S Callanan, J O'Brien; N McGrath, E Kelly, L Corbett.
WATERFORD:C Hennessy: E Murphy, D Prendergast, N Connors: T Browne, M Walsh, A Kearney; S O'Sullivan, K Moran; S Prendergast, S Molumphy, J Nagle; J Mullane, E Kelly, J Kennedy.
In the last episode:Tipperary's march to an All-Ireland final against Kilkenny last year was halted by a spectacular Waterford performance at the semi-final stage. Down and out against Clare early that summer, the Waterford men staged a coup, installed Davy Fitzgerald as their manager and began a rehabilitation programme that culminated in this flying 1-20 to 1-18 show against a Tipperary side that were fitful.
On your marks:Tony Browne has surely living-legend status in his native city by now. He made his debut for Waterford in 1992 and has lived through the low of a championship defeat to Kerry to landing hurler of the year in 1998 to playing in his first All-Ireland final a decade later. Sprung from the subs bench against Limerick this summer, he was selected at midfield for the replay. An injury concern last month, he starts, at 36, another Munster final at right-half back. Waterford will need his experience and class.
Gaining ground:The stewards at Semple Stadium are predicting a bumper day, with a crowd of over 45,000 estimated. The Munster council chairman, Jimmy O'Gorman has voiced concern at the fact this match has been staged to follow the Leinster football final, given the popularity of both occasions and he warned regardless of the number of gates open, supporters arriving late will inevitably lead to queues.
Just the ticket:A covered stand ticket costs €35, uncovered stand €30, with a terrace ticket at €20. Family and student tickets available through participating county boards.
Crystal ball:Waterford are nicely placed as outsiders and will relish today's theatre. Tipperary have hurled in waves but in full flow, they are a tough prospect and should have enough to overcome a patched up Waterford team.
