County finals/Hurling previews: Six county hurling titles are down for decision tomorrow, and the largest turnout - and probably the most fireworks - is expected in Walsh Park in Waterford for the meeting of defending champions Mount Sion and old rivals Ballygunner.
Once again it will be a microcosm of Waterford hurling, with at least 15 of the players in action also part of the senior county panel in recent years.
There is one notable exception, however: Ballygunner's Paul Flynn is missing after being sent off in his club's semi-final win over Lismore. There is no disguising the seriousness of Flynn's loss to Ballygunner; the 13 points he scored for Waterford in the All-Ireland semi-final against Cork are the most recent reminder of his influence.
Flynn's absence robs the occasion of some real class and yet there is plenty left behind. And Ballygunner can still call on Shane O'Sullivan, Andy Moloney and Wayne Hutchinson from the present county panel for leadership, and Stephen Frampton and Fergal Hartley from the recent past.
It's Mount Sion, though, who roll out the greater share of heavyweights, and are unlikely to be denied another title. Their experience shines through, from Ian O'Regan in goal, to defenders Ken McGrath and Tony Browne, to forwards Eoin Kelly and Eoin McGrath. Others like Brian Flannery and Michael White also know how to win games - and like the entire team will be thinking of at least a few days out in the Munster championship.
The Tipperary hurling final appears an even more one-sided affair, Toomevara taking on Éire Óg/Golden at Semple Stadium. Having won nine of the last 13 titles, and with the illustrious Dunne brothers, Tommy and Ken, still to the fore, Toomevara look poised to continue their dominance.
And yet there is so much unpredictable about Éire Óg/Golden. An amalgamation of two intermediate clubs (therefore known as "the Combo"), they won't lack the motivation to make Tipperary hurling history.
Tradition also surrounds expectations about the Offaly hurling final, Birr looking to maintain their incredible record when they host Coolderry, without doubt the up-and-coming hurling club in the county and certain to give the champions a severe test.
Birr, however, should still have enough to progress into another Leinster campaign. Still backboned by the Whelahan brothers, Brian, Barry and Simon, they are seeking their sixth county title in succession.
Also to be decided this weekend is the Limerick county final between Ahane and Garyspillane at the Gaelic Grounds, and with champions Patrickswell out of the way, this is sure to be a tight contest.
Completing the finals line-up is the Derry decider at Banagher (Dungiven against Slaughtneil) and the Carlow decider at Dr Cullen Park (Naomh Bríd against Ballinkillen).
Several counties, meanwhile, are still in the process of deciding their finalists and in Cork the semi-final double bill is expected to bring over 20,000 to Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Centre stage there are the All-Ireland champions, Newtownshandrum, who take on Cloyne in the second match. Na Piarsaigh play Blackrock in the first game and with the Ó hAilpín brothers, Seán Óg and Setanta, on their side, along with John Gardiner, the former will start as marginal favourites.
Another big crowd is expected in Kilkenny for the two quarter-finals: this afternoon's meeting of the title-holders and Leinster champions, O'Loughlin Gaels, and Shamrocks at Callan this afternoon (3.30) and tomorrow's meeting of DJ Carey's Young Irelands and Graigue-Ballycallan at Nowlan Park.
