Old foes Limerick and Kilkenny become reacquainted with one another when they clash off in the All Ireland senior hurling championship final a little later on today, which you can of course keep up to date with right here.
For years, Kilkenny were the all conquering kings of hurling, while Limerick were the plucky underdogs raging against the Brian Cody winning machine. Today, these roles are reversed, with the Cats aiming to deny Limerick winning a third all Ireland title in a row, a feat last achieved by Cody's Kilkenny in 2008.
These sides are no strangers to each other and have had some legendary championship battles over the last decade or so. And with another cracking tie sure to come later on today, let's take a look back at the last five championship clashes between the sides.
2019: Kilkenny 1-19 Limerick 2-15 - All-Ireland Semi-Final
The most recent game on this list and perhaps the most surprising. Not much was expected of Kilkenny three years ago. Yet, they turned up on All Ireland semi-final day and turned in a superb performance defeating Limerick and leaving John Kiely shell-shocked in the process.
This is still Limericks most recent championship loss to date. And if it wasn't for this loss, the Treatymen could well be going for a fifth title in a row this afternoon.
2018: Limerick 0-27 Kilkenny 1-22 - All-Ireland Quarter-Final
In an absorbing clash in Thurles, Limerick survived a late Kilkenny comeback to progress to the All Ireland semi-final with a slender two point win over the Leinster side.
The Shannonsiders held a one point lead up until the 65th minute when Richie Hogan scored a cracking goal to put the then reigning All Ireland champions to the pin of their collar.
But Limerick responded like the true champions that they are. Outscoring Kilkenny by five points to one after that goal, the Munster men marched on to another semi-final against Cork.
2017: Kilkenny 0-20 Limerick 0-17 - Round 1 Qualifier
The game that almost brought an end to Limericks reign of dominance before it even began. A full twelve months before lifting Liam McCarthy for the first time in 45 years, Limerick were dumped out by The Cats.
A late Limerick comeback wasn't enough, as Kilkenny held on to prolong their summer.
John Kiely has since spoken about how he feared for his job after this defeat.
"2017 was very difficult – very, very difficult,” he admits. “But I suppose the first year you get involved is always going to be the toughest year, trying to put your stamp on things.
“Yeah, you know, it wouldn’t have been a surprise to me had I got a phone call at the end of ’17 to say, ‘Listen, thanks very much, you’ve done a great job, you’ve done the best you can, but we’re moving on’.
2014: Kilkenny 2-13 Limerick 0-17 - All-Ireland Semi-Final
In a nip and tuck affair on a dull afternoon in Croke Park, Kilkenny started the brighter side and led by two points at the break courtesy of a Richie Hogan goal on the stroke of half time.
Limerick just couldn't bridge that gap in the second half. When they did finally get level with Kilkenny, a goal courtesy of Richie Power again put The Cats in front, a poisition they held onto until the final whistle.
2012: Kilkenny 4-16 Limerick 1-16 - All-Ireland Quarter-Final
This game wasn't even close. In an anomaly for games between Limerick and Kilkenny, one side blew the other away.
On this day, it was Kilkenny who were just too good for Limerick. The Cats were in their pomp at the time, and had won six of the last seven championships between 2006 and 2011.
Kilkenny scored goals at the right time and Limerick never really could get close to the best side in the land. Goals from Michael Fennelly, Colin Fennelly and two from current Galway boss Henry Shefflin saw The Cats surge into an unassailable league and just a few weeks later, Brian Cody added another All Ireland medal to his lengthy collection.
But all this is ancient history now. The only thing that matters is today. Who'll get the win and get one over their bitter rivals?
We'll find out in a few hours time!
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