1. Critical battle areas:
Whichever team stops the opposition will win and, in order to do that, you need to starve them of possession. That is why I expect the midfield and who is on top in that area to decide the game.
2. Who will win the All-Ireland club hurling final next Wednesday?
Portumna will win it.
3. Why do you think Portumna will win?
I think they are a better overall team. They have a better cohesive forward line and, if they click, the Ballyhale defence won’t have the pace to keep them out. Portumna have lots of experience of producing it on the big day and they will be highly motivated to beat a Kilkenny team in the final and win an unprecedented three-in-a-row.
4. Anything else to add?
With quality and scoring quality in particular, like Joe Canning, Henry Shefflin, Damien Hayes and Eoin Reid on display, it should produce an epic. Let’s hope all the hype does not get to the players and they go out and show us once again the magic they can produce.
