Tony Kelly: Limerick v Kilkenny is a 50:50 game

This weekend's All-Ireland hurling final is a 50:50 game according to Tony Kelly, who has faced both sides in this year's championship.

Kilkenny disposed of Clare easily in the semi-final, while Limerick needed extra-time to beat the Banner in the Munster decider so Kelly is well placed to cast any eye on Sunday's showpiece.

The former Hurler of the year says despite Limerick seeking a three in a row, they will not have it all their own way on Sunday.

"Limerick, they're obviously the standard bearer in the country the last four or five years."

"I do think Kilkenny are extremely dangerous this year."

"I think they've improved in every game. I know we were below par but they're still a very, very good outfit."

He says that it is the hardest All-Ireland final to call in a number of years.

"If you were to call the All-Ireland at the minute, I think it's literally 50:50."

"The last couple of All-Irelands, you probably wouldn't be able to say that. You probably would have favoured Limerick more."

Kilkenny were the last time to beat Limerick in the championship back in the 2019 All-Ireland semi-final, and Kelly says Limerick might feel like they had a score to settle with Cody's Cats.

"Limerick might be using it as a score to settle themselves in terms of Kilkenny being the last team to beat them."

"In the last three or four championships, Kilkenny are the only team that have beaten them."

"In terms of having an advantage with Brian Cody and his experience and the Kilkenny lads' experience is obviously a plus. But likewise, I’m sure the Limerick lads are looking at it as a score to settle."

Limerick are renowned for their strength and conditioning but Kelly feels Kilkenny will be able to match the Treaty's physicality.

"There isn't too much