Last time Kilkenny won the All-Ireland is, of course, 2011 with Galways famine stretching back to 1988. They have reached four finals in the meantime losing to Cork in 1990, Kilkenny in 93, Tipperary in 2001 and most recently against Cork in 05 (Kilkenny have captured Liam McCarthy 10 times in this period).

But that is not an accurate reflection of Galway hurlings progress these past 24 years. A look at both counties success at underage and club level this century is a better indication of their modern rivalry:

Kilkenny have four under-21 All-Ireland titles since 2000 to Galways three, including last years success. Although The Cats recently stripped the Tribesmen of that crown.

Galway have five minor All-Ireland’s banked this century, including last year, to Kilkennys four. It is Dublin versus Tipperary on Sunday. At club level Ballyhale Shamrocks have won two All-Ireland titles (2007 and 2010) with James Stephens successful in 2005 but that pales in comparison to Portumnas three (2006-07 and 09), Athenry winning back to back in 2000-01 and Clarinbridge 2011 success.

All told, that’s Kilkenny 11 to Galways 14. Just saying. Of course, the immediate reply from a Kilkenny person is: “33 to what? Four.”