Where will Liam McCarthy be residing?
All eyes will be on Croke Park this afternoon as Kilkenny aim to add title number 36 and keep their incredibly successful run under Brian Cody intact, while Galway will be looking to rewrite their own history; it has been 27 years since the Tribe ruled the realm.
There are so many interesting head-to-heads, incredible players and match winners out on the pitch but which county will be celebrating come the final-whistle?
With this in mind, we’ve decided to take a trip down memory lane and look at the last five meetings between the counties in All-Ireland finals.
2012 (Replay)
Kilkenny 3-22 Galway 3-11
After the first game finished all square at 2-13 to 0-19, the first hurling final to finish in a draw since 1959, the teams had to do it all over again.
Jonathan Glynn and David Burke scored the goals for Galway but Kilkenny proved to be too strong, nine points from Henry Shefflin combined with goals from Richie Power, Walter Walsh and Colin Fennelly proved to be enough.
Clip via – Micheal O Thailtigh
1993
Kilkenny 2-17 – 1-15 Galway
The All-Ireland Final of 1993 was the last game to be played in the old Croke Park before the demolition of the Cusack Stand and Liam McCarthy left in the hands of Eddie O’Connor.
P. J. Delaney was Galway’s main tormentor in chief on the day; he netted 1-4 while D.J Carey slotted over 0-4.
Clip via – hurlingworldvideos
1987
Galway 1-12 – 0-9 Kilkenny
The image of Conor Hayes lifting the biggest prize in hurling is still an image that supporters of the Tribesmen will remember after Noel Lane’s goal proved to be decisive in a famous day for Galway hurling.
Clip via – joekilgobinet
1979
Kilkenny 2-12 Galway 1-8
If you have a bit of time to spare then here’s the game in full as Kilkenny edged a match that saw the sides level at six different occasions.
The pitch invasion seems very dignified in comparison to the modern era but it was Ger Fennelly that was delivering the victorious speech.
Clip via – JAMES STEPHENS GAA
1975
Kilkenny 2-22 – 2-10 Galway
Man of the match Liam O’Brien led the Cats to the crown that year with an impressive five-point haul but the real goal threat came from Eddie Keher, who notched 2-7.
Clip via – Bryansford Gael
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