Milking cows perfect final prep

In the week leading up to an All-Ireland Final, the urge may be to wrap your players up in cotton wool to ensure they're perfectly primed when the ball is thrown-in.

This is far from the case, however, for Cork under 20 hurling captain James Keating who will spend this week giving a helping hand on the family farm in Kildorrery.

“You've to do everything you can to distract yourself in the lead-up. At this stage you just want to get out there and play but you have to bide your time.

“The father has me out milking the cows, so I'm definitely being kept busy! And I've had very few lie-ins as well! Final or no final, I'm out on the farm working but sure it's a good thing, it's keeps me going!”

Keating will lead the Cork under 20 hurling team out in the first Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland Hurling Under 20 Final after the tournament was regraded from under 21 this year. Cork have not won a title at under 21 level since 1998.

With the pair having played out a pulsating Munster Final just under a month ago, which Tipperary won with a last-minute goal, bookies have had a tough time separating the pair, with Tipperary slightly favoured by the bookies.

Cork, meanwhile, will be hoping to replicate their under 20 football county counterparts who were crowned All-Ireland champions when they beat Dublin three weeks ago.