A forest of green, black and amber has taken over the space outside Croke Park as tension mounts for an epic between swinging aristocrats Kilkenny and match-3 fighters Limerick.
The Irish Independent spent the hot morning with the families and eager fans waiting outside the stadium.
Jones’ Rd was overwhelmed with fans of both teams sitting in shade and sipping cool drinks as the sun shone on what has been termed a heat wave, with temperatures set to reach record highs of 32°C.
Eileen and her County Limerick son Jamie insist their county is well placed to retain the title.
“I think it’s going to be an exciting game. I hope Limerick crosses the line. And I think we’ll do it with three, maybe four points,” Eileen said.
As for the heat, Eileen admitted it could affect the game.
“Definitely very difficult to play hurling in that heat, but those guys are well prepared for that heat with lots of water. Yes, well prepared.”
Anthony and Paddy also said it was their time to win, after Kilkenny reigned supreme after winning 36 All-Ireland Championships.
“Kilkenny is tired of winning, they have won 36 times. So they must be sick. That’s why they’re almost non-existent here. We haven’t won in 40 years. It’s kind of like the comet coming in to get rid of the dinosaurs,” Anthony said.
When asked how they felt about losing their two-time pitcher of the year Cian Lynch, who won’t play due to an ankle injury, Paddy said: “Well, he hasn’t been there all year. We literally won without him.”
“He hasn’t been here all year, so it should be fine. If we lose, which we won’t, but we can’t blame him for not being here.
“I was here in 2018 when we won it for the first time since 1973. Hopefully they can do it again for the fans,” added Anthony.
Siobhan and her two children, Oscar and Ollie, traveled from Co. Kilkenny and are sure they will end Limerick’s streak.
“We’re going to win because Limerick injured one of their best players,” Oscar said. With his mother adding “and because we’re just the best team after all.”
“It can be a historic game because there are two great teams coming in to play one game and it can be a tough game. There can be very few points,” Oscar said.
As for the heat, Ollie was concerned about the impact on Kilkenny over Limerick due to the black color of the jerseys.
The two boys were nonetheless excited, waving their flags and jumping for joy in what would become their first All-Ireland Final.
“They have butterflies in their stomachs,” Siobhan said.