they'd be totally and utterly correct. Some folk will doubtless be heard to tout the fixture as "the real All Ireland final"; the reader and the Tribune, both being crafty old stagers, won't be among them. Some folk will contend that Toomevara have never encountered a team with the scope of Shamrocks; they'd be perfectly correct. And some folk will argue Shamrocks have never encountered a team with the experience and hardiness of Toome; equally accurate.

Recent challenge outings - Shamrocks beating WIT, Toomevara losing to Wexford - can be taken with as many grains of salt as one desires.

The sensible course of action would be to refrain from factoring in either occurrence, not least because the latterday Greyhounds have demonstrated their mettle over and over again these past few months, most notably when mugging Mullinahone in the county semi-final and shortheading Erin's Own in the provincial decider. The cliché about hard roads and elderly canines is unavoidable.

Giving Shamrocks space equates to the instant signing of one's own death warrant.

They hit 1-22 against O'Loughlins in the Kilkenny final, 1-16 of it from play, and 1-20 against Birr in the Leinster showdown, 1-17 of it from play on a heavy pitch on the last Sunday of November. Yet in between, Rathnure made it attritional for Shamrocks, with the result their points tally dipped to 14.

Encouragement for Toomevara, who won't make the mistake of trying to outhurl Shamrocks in an open, flowing affair and who won't have missed the fact either that Birr drove 12 wides in the first half.

Henry Shefflin, Cha, et al, were in a freewheeling groove before Christmas, hitting points for fun. Logic insists that their momentum has to have been retarded by the break, even if only slightly.

But logic also insists Toomevara will miss John O'Brien's ability to score from tight angles.

This is the first time in the coming days you'll hear it said the pairing is the first ever meeting of Kilkenny and Tipp sides in the All Ireland club championship. Bet it won't be the last time.