Galway

Backroom team: Noel Lane (manager), Mike McNamara (selector and trainer), John Connolly (selector)

The trainer: Mike McNamara - Previously worked with Ger Loughnane, helping Clare to All-Ireland success. First met Noel Lane over 20 years ago when Lane worked in East Clare and the two also worked as selectors with the Irish shinty team in the mid-1990s.

Philosophy: Physical preparation and stamina takes greater priority. The aim is to unearth a player that can ride any type of challenge, and excuses on the training field can lead to excuses in the match. Hurling skill never ignored, though it is not seen to be enough on its own and so extra ferocity must be added.

Techniques: Hill sessions form the early basis of the winter training. Hard 20-minute runs, usually at the break of day. Strict discipline, and no short-cuts taken, no matter what the conditions. The harsher the conditions the better the results. When the going gets tough, the players get tougher. No soft options.

Results: A team that is ferociously fit and has the stamina of a marathon runner. Players that can totally depend on each other. One with no limits of endurance. Fitness is also the foundation for stronger mental performance. Players who don't fall down easily. Nothing is left to chance, and if the team is beaten, it is beaten by a better team.

Tipperary

Backroom team: Nicky English (manager), Ken Hogan (selector), Jack Bergin (Selector), Jim Kilty (Trainer)

The trainer: Jim Kilty - Former National Athletics coach, and better known for his work with the new generation of Irish sprinters such as Ciara Sheehy and Karen Shinkins. Has worked with a number of football and rugby teams.

Philosophy: The SAQ system, developed in American Football teams in the 1980's and now used in a range of sports, chiefly rugby and soccer, all over the world. Dedicated to improving Speed, Agility and Quickness. System uses progressive exercise and instruction aimed at developing fundamental motor abilities to enhance the capability of players to be more skilful at faster speeds and with greater precision.

Techniques: A range of designated circuits, isolated drills and integrated exercises are used, and based around ball work. Acceleration is trained to be lateral, linear, diagonal or vertical. Greater had-to-eye co-ordination. Starting is taught to be explosive and automatic.

Results: An instinctively quicker player. One who reacts faster, moves more explosively and executes the game skills quicker and with more precision. Bridges the gap between raw strength and explosive movement. Emphasises the neuromuscular system, a key difference between traditional training.