The Road to Croker

Did you know?Kilkenny remain unbeaten in the championship since losing to Galway in the 2005 All-Ireland semi-final. In that period, they have beaten Wexford (three times), Galway (twice), Westmeath, Clare, Cork and Offaly.

Brian Cody guides Kilkenny into a seventh All-Ireland final. Kilkenny won it under his guidance in 2000, '02, '03 and '06 and lost in 1999 and 2004, to Cork on both occasions.

Limerick have lost their last four All-Ireland finals - to Kilkenny (3-19 to 1-13) in 1974, Galway (2-15 to 3-9) in 1980, Offaly (3-16 to 2-13) in 1994 and Wexford (1-13 to 0-14) in 1996.

Kilkenny are aiming to equal Cork's record of 30 All-Ireland titles while Limerick are keen to go two clear of Wexford and Dublin by claiming the title for an eighth time.

Head to Head: Nicky English's view

Andrew O'Shaughnessy v Henry Shefflin

I can see the man of the match coming out of this indirect duel. While O'Shaughnessy has scored two more points (2-39 to 0-43), Shefflin has the superior average over four games (10.75) to the Limerick sharpshooter's six outings (7.5), although this is mitigated by the standard of opposition Shefflin has encountered.

In short, there is very little between them.

Both are hugely important players but Shefflin is the undisputed King of Hurling right now. Last year was perhaps his best championship and he rightfully received all the individual plaudits including RTÉ's sports personality of the year.

His best day this season was the semi-final against Wexford so he arrives bang in form despite a winter of continual hurling with Ballyhale's run to the All-Ireland club title. This was followed by marriage so the way he has maintained focus is admirable.

When the game is drifting from their grasp Kilkenny know they can look to Shefflin. His strength under the high ball and versatility to play anywhere across the forwards make him one of the most outstanding players I have ever seen.

The hurling community have been waiting for this type of season from Andrew O'Shaughnessy since his schooldays in St Colman's, Fermoy. I remember his astonishing senior debut against Waterford in Thurles, when he seemed destined for greatness, but he has been treading water ever since.

In the Tipperary trilogy and even the Munster final he only threatened to dominate proceedings but he has been magnificent since arriving in Croke Park. His best performance for Limerick was when they needed him the most in the semi-final against Waterford.

I think Jackie Tyrrell will struggle to contain him, while Brian Geary will initially be deployed on Shefflin. Whoever dominates their markers should decide the destination of Liam MacCarthy.

Man in the middle

Diarmuid Kirwan from Cork takes charge of Sunday's final just like his father, Gerry (Offaly), took charge of the 1988 decider that saw Galway secure back-to-back All-Irelands by beating Tipperary 1-15 to 0-14. The refereeing coincidences don't stop there as Terence Murray was in charge in the 1987 and 1993 finals, both contested by Galway and Kilkenny (both won one each). Terence's son, Limerick goalkeeper Brian Murray, has been making a strong push for a place among the 2007 All Stars.