The eyes of many across the world will be on the All-Ireland Hurling Final on Sunday as Galway and Waterford go into battle to claim Liam McCarthy. Both teams have not won the All-Ireland for a combined 70 years plus between them, Galway’s last title was in 1988, while Waterford’s was in 1959, so a long drought without no silverware for both sides. I have taken a look at some of the key players for the game that will have a big say on who will come out on top in this eagerly anticipated tie at Croke Park, Dublin on Sunday afternoon.

10 player that will have a big say on the destination of Liam McCarthy:

1: Joe Canning (Galway): The Portumna club man has won it all but what he hasn’t got is the coveted All-Ireland medal, if Galway are to win Canning will be a key man. In the All-Ireland semi-final he sprung to life in the final 15 minutes, hitting Galway’s last five score of the game as well as the winning point which sent Galway through to this meeting with Waterford. He should have a massive influence on the game and he is a potential hurler of the year if so.

2: Conor Whelan: (Galway): At only 20 years of age some might say Whelan is one for the future, however, he has come to prominence earlier than many probably thought. He is a shoe in for young hurler of the year no matter what happens in the final, but he like all of the Galway squad will want that All-Ireland medal. He has averaged 3 or 4 points every game so far this year so he will need to closely marked if Waterford are to come out on top here. Expect him to have a big game.

3: Jamie Barron: (Waterford): The Fourmilewater man was man of the match in the semi-final win over Cork and like Canning for Galway is another in the reckoning for hurler of the year. He will be in midfield, which will key in this game, however he will be without his normal midfield partner Conor Gleeson who is suspended. If Waterford are to win this Barron will need another performance like the one he had in the semi-final, can this happen? Yes it can!