Both clubs were able to take the direct route - securing byes to the semi-final by virtue of being first and second in Group 1 of the championship.
While both were made to sweat in their respective semi-finals, the pair were able to emerge with their ticket to Sunday SHC final.
It is the fourth time we've had this particular final pairing with the Balbec winning the first decider between the two in 2014 and the Caherdavin men bringing the Daly Cup up the road in 2017 and 2022.
That game four years ago was the last time Kilmallock reached the final. Not that they ever went away mind you, the south Limerick men reaching the semi-finals in each of the intervening seasons.
13. Fans pictured before the Whitebox senior hurling championship final between Na Piarsaigh and Kilmallock
Brendan Gleeson
14. Fans pictured before the Whitebox senior hurling championship final between Na Piarsaigh and Kilmallock
Brendan Gleeson
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15. Fans pictured before the Whitebox senior hurling championship final between Na Piarsaigh and Kilmallock
Brendan Gleeson
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16. Fans pictured before the Whitebox senior hurling championship final between Na Piarsaigh and Kilmallock
Brendan Gleeson
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