Who are the most fervent hurling fans?

Galway's much-anticipated clash with Kilkenny in this year’s All-Ireland hurling final promises to be a momentous affair for …

Galway's much-anticipated clash with Kilkenny in this year’s All-Ireland hurling final promises to be a momentous affair for both counties.

Kilkenny are seeking a sixth title in seven years, while Galway are in pursuit of a first All Ireland hurling crown since 1988.

Whatever the outcome, the contest is expected to bring a riot of colour and noise to Croker on Sunday.

So, we're looking for photos of the most ardent fans, bedecked in their county's colours; the most festooned streets, the most decorated houses or vehicles for a montage of photos we're compiling, ahead of the big game.

Send your pics of how you are showing your support to news@irishtimes.com and they will be considered for use in an All Ireland Hurling Final photo gallery.

Mood in both counties

Under the headline “Be patient and Liam will return”, a match preview in today’s Kilkenny People suggests “travelling to Dublin on the second Sunday in September has almost become an annual ritual for Kilkenny supporters.”

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Wary of seeming overconfident, however, the article goes to say “despite all the hype surrounding Kilkenny’s emphatic victory over Tipperary in the recent semi-final, the Cats face a mighty challenge from Galway in Croke Park.”

The paper also reports that Kilkenny’s commander and chief Brian Cody is to be awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his achievements at a ceremony to be held at UCC later today.

Under the headline “Galway poised for victory”, the Galway Independent suggests Anthony Cunningham's Galway have hit a real vein of form since struggling through the early stages of the Leinster championship

Pre-match comments

"I had said that Kilkenny were the team to beat and whoever beat them would win the All-Ireland." - Galway  manager Anthony Cunningham

"Winning your first like all the Galway lads are trying to do is as important as trying to win your sixth, seventh or whatever."- Kilkenny star Henry Shefflin

"Only two teams get the opportunity to play on that day, and thanks be to God we're one of them." – Kilkenny's coach Brian Cody

"People are always talking, always writing and reading things into situations that don't exist." - Kilkenny selector Martin Fogarty on hurling tactics

"Everybody needs to be driving towards the same goal and we're focused on doing that at the moment." – Galway captain Fergal Moore

"The build-up has been great and the city and county is a sea of maroon." – Galway Mayor of Galway Cllr Terry O'Flaherty