What the pundits think - Expert view on Limerick's All-Ireland final clash with Kilkenny

From Limerick's four All-Ireland wins since 2018, what one moment had biggest impact on you and why?

Aoife Sheehan: Nickie Quaid's flick save in the 72nd minute of the 2018 semi-final, when Seamus Harnedy looked to have the goal at his mercy is a stand-out one. If Cork had scored, Limerick would have been out. Instead, the game went to extra time and Limerick powered on to the final. Such fine margins.

Stephen Lucey: The final whistle in 2018. Was sitting with my dad and my wife and it was unbelievable. Was amazing feeling. I was never in any doubt throughout the game. The same with the 2013 Munster final. It's right up there with Ciáran Carey's point in 1996.

Grace Lee: Performances of Seán Finn on a consistent basis. He has been an unbelievable player throughout Limerick's success and has been a big loss since picking up his injury against Clare. Up until then, Seán was crucial to the Limerick set up and while his injury was devastating for Limerick, the personal loss to him cannot be understated. It shows how transient sport can be and we cannot take it for granted.

Brian Foley: Being present in 2018 to witness Limerick's first All-Ireland win since 1973. The outpourings of emotion at the final whistle where Limerick fans just embraced each other will live long in the memory. It made up for the heartaches we’ve endured in Croke Park in the years prior. Kyle's’ goal in Cork in our great comeback against Tipperary comes a close second.

John Keogh: Limerick's All-Ireland win in 2018 was amazing given the heartbreak but the performance in beating Cork in 2021 was something to behold. The Rebels were just not able to deal with Limerick on the day, particularly in the first half. It was a pleasure to be able to relax in the second half knowing that Limerick were going to win. A rare treat on All-Ireland final day.

How impressive was Limerick's ability to turn around their fortunes in their semi-final win over Galway?

Aoife Sheehan: At half-time, Limerick were just one point down, and Galway had thrown everything at them for the first 25 minutes. The turning point of the game was Mike Casey's save. Limerick got on top in the middle third after that and played on their terms. Galway didn't have any answers.

Stephen Lucey: After the first quarter it was looking hairy. The momentum was all with Galway and Limerick were unable to get any space in any part of the pitch. It was so unlike Limerick. I was worried but from the 30th minute on, Limerick turned it on its head. Did Galway run out of steam? Maybe but Limerick were very impressive. Doing what they do.

Grace Lee: Limerick's turnaround was awesome. We changed our setup to out-wit Galway and as Henry Shefflin said afterwards, Limerick left Galway 'putting out fires' in the second half. It was arguably Limerick's best spell of hurling so far this year.

Brian Foley: Very impressive. Galway had a run on us, were causing trouble on their puck-outs by creating space with plenty of movement. Once Limerick got to grips with this, there was only going to be one winner. Limerick gave a terrific second half performance with the bench contributing well.

John Keogh: It was sensational. Limerick looked in a fair amount of trouble after 20 minutes but once they flipped the switch, Galway had absolutely no answer to what they were seeing in front of them. Everything started to click and it was the most complete period of hurling that we have seen from Limerick this year.

What are the key match-ups in Sunday's final?

Aoife Sheehan: Kilkenny will know they need to curb the influence and ball into the Limerick full-foward line. Huw Lawlor on Aaron Gillane is the pick of the inside battles. Eoin Cody was in top form in the semi-final and it looks like Mike Casey will pick him up. Limerick will need to be alert to TJ Reid's movement out the field. He will be dangerous in the air while inside, and I think Kilkenny will use the long ball while he is there to test our full back line.

Stephen Lucey: Full-forward line and full-back line at both ends of the pitch. Gillane and Flanagan up against Butler and Lawlor. And at the other end TJ Reid and Eoin Cody on Dan Morrissey and Barry Nash. Dan Morrissey has been Limerick's Mr dependable for so long. He doesn't get the headlines, but does a great job.

Grace Lee: There are some really good match-ups to look forward to. I would imagine the two inside lines will be intense with Peter Casey keeping Mikey Butler very busy and Mike Casey trying to keep Eoin Cody quiet but there are key match ups all over the pitch. That's the beauty of an All-Ireland final.

Brian Foley: Gillane and Cody are the go-to men on both sides. Huw Lawlor will pick up Aaron who is in the form of his life. This will be an interesting battle as Huw is a serious defender. I anticipate Mike Casey or Dan Morrissey to pick up Eoin if he stays inside. Cody was too good for Rory Hayes and Adam Hogan last day out in the semi-final win over Clare.

John Keogh: Limerick's forwards versus Kilkenny's backs. If Kilkenny have found a way to curtail Limerick's forward line since last year, they could topple Limerick. If not, Hegarty, Tom Morrissey and whoever else starts in the half forward line could run riot.

How do you think Limerick have been able to maintain their levels of hunger through the past six seasons when other teams haven't?

Aoife Sheehan: Winning is a habit and when you win you want to keep it going. There is a very competitive and dedicated group there and places on the team are hard earned. The core group is still together since 2018 but they don't take their wins for granted and you just would have to sit back and admire their desire and ability to keep it going when teams throw so much at them. The players are supported by a superb set up and it has all the ingredients needed.

Stephen Lucey: It's been their most impressive trait. It's amazing that they keep finding that hunger. That's what every player brings to the table. It is this team's culture. I think the split season is vital for the players as well. It has given lads a chance to switch off in the last couple of years. The hunger is a testament to the incredible management and players.

Grace Lee: I think Limerick's level of hunger is maintained by exceptional game management from the sideline. They are not afraid to make changes and utilise the full panel. There is no reliance on any one player and this has been key to Limerick's success over such a long period of time.

Brian Foley: Huge credit has to be given to John, Paul and the lads but also a special mention to Joe O'Connor, Mikey Kiely and now Cairbre for the condition the lads are in. They are so thorough and scientific in their approach. With the age profile also being so promising back in 2018, we are now bearing fruit.

John Keogh: It all comes down to standards. This group of players over the last six years have taken things to a new level. We only get to see what happens on game day but one can only imagine the intensity that is put in during a regular training session. It must be phenomenal and cut-throat. That and the constant freshness that happens in training keeps the hunger going.

Who will win Sunday's All-Ireland final and why?

Aoife Sheehan: Limerick will win because they are a better team. Kilkenny have done well to beat Galway and Clare in two matches they could have lost. Limerick rode their luck in the Munster Championship but their performance in the second half against Galway was excellent. They reached the heights of the 2021 final v Cork with that display. That would suggest they are back to their best and should drive on and win this Sunday.

Stephen Lucey: Anyone that thinks the league final meeting between the two teams back in April means anything is deeply mistaken. Seán Finn will definitely be a big loss. You don't replace players like him easily but Limerick are probably the only panel that could. Limerick seem to be hitting form at just the right time. Every player seems to be improving as the season comes to its conclusion. That is a major reason as to why I think they will win. You have to have confidence in this management team and players given what's happened in the past.

Grace Lee: Limerick will win. I would imagine it will be very tight with small margins between both teams but Limerick don't panic. They didn't panic when the chips were down against Clare in the Munster final, or in the Cork and Tipperary round robin games. All our wins this year have been tight and it's Limerick's composure has gotten them over the line.

Brian Foley: Limerick because they are the better team. They are champions. Anyone other than Kilkenny in last year’s final would have folded. Kilkenny, being a great hurling county, don’t fold, they don’t wilt. They are honest and they turn up. But they are taking on a real serious team blessed with fantastic hurlers and leaders throughout this team. Limerick to win.

John Keogh: Limerick. To keep it simple, they are the better team. They have the better backs, midfield and forwards. Arguably, the better options from the bench as well. All that is left is putting in the performance. If Limerick hit anywhere near the levels of the 2022 final, they will win. If not, Kilkenny are in with a massive chance of beating them.