WE’VE SEEN IT happen so many times before. The build-up to the All-Ireland hurling final inevitably focuses on a few star names but, when all is said and done, it’s an unsung hero who steps out of the shadows to steer his county to glory.

Last year it was 21-year-old Walter Walsh, a relative unknown when he was handed his senior championship debut for Kilkenny in the replay against Galway. Walsh was completely at ease in Croke Park, scored 1-3, and was named man of the match as the Cats clinched another title.

In the 1995 final it wasn’t Stephen McNamara or Ger O’Loughlin who finished as Clare’s top scorer, but Fergie Tuohy who pointed 0-4 as the Banner lifted Liam for the first time in 81 years.

And Mark O’Leary stole the headlines in the 2001 decider, scoring 2-1 as Tipperary beat Galway by three points.

The stage is set for hurling’s next unsung hero to write their piece of history this afternoon. Who is it going to be?

Cork v Clare, All-Ireland senior hurling final match guide