Few would have pencilled in Kilkenny and Tipperary for the All-Ireland final. Both teams though, are backed by all-time great managers in Brian Cody and Liam Sheedy.
Speaking on Friday's OTB AM, former Kilkenny hurler Tommy Walsh said he finds it hard to split them for Coach of the Year.
“I think it will be whoever wins on Sunday.
“I don’t think you can separate them because [Liam] Sheedy has brought through a team that many people had written off last year.
“They didn’t win a game in the Munster round-robin and most of their main players were hitting the 30 years of age mark.
“I think what Sheedy has done has been remarkable, freshening up these guys and getting them to believe," he said.
Photo Credit: ©INPHO/Oisin KeniryOne for the history books
Even though Walsh said he could not split both managers, he certainly made a good case for Liam Sheedy.
“The questions that were put to Tipperary were when things got tough, would they be able to win the match?
“We all knew how brilliant they were as hurlers but when it got intense and when you had to get down and dirty, would they be able to do it?
“The last 20 minutes against Wexford could be the greatest 20 minutes of those guys careers.
“If they were to go on and win an All-Ireland this time I think it will be referenced for many, many years," the 36-year-old said.
When it came to Brian Cody he was not overly effusive in his praise for his fellow Kilkenny man.
“He has always said that he has brilliant players at his disposal.
“The forwards that he has are exceptional and I am sure any county in Ireland would love to have the six forwards that Kilkenny has," he said.
Sunday's All-Ireland final is shaping up to be a classic and there is no doubt the winning team will have their manager to thank for getting them over the line.
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