EX-OFFALY MANAGER Joe Dooley has described the possibility of Kilkenny losing back-to-back All-Ireland finals as almost “unthinkable”.

Brian Cody’s men were strong favourites when they faced Tipperary in the final last year, having won the All-Ireland four times in a row previously. However, they were ultimately beaten 1-19 to 1-12.

And speaking to RTE.ie, Dooley said:

“It will be very, very hard for them to lose two All-Ireland’s in a row. That might just be the difference. It would almost be unthinkable if they were to finish up losing twice to Tipperary.”

Dooley conceded that Tipperary are stronger in “nine out of 15 positions,” but believes it will take an immense effort to beat the side that many have dubbed the greatest of all time.

He attributed Kilkenny’s disappointing loss last year to the negative influence that the hype surrounding the game had on their players, saying:

“I think they got sidetracked with the circus of the whole ‘five in a row’ and the Henry Shefflin injury and all of that. I just feel that Kilkenny will be that bit more focused and that bit more determined to make up for the disappointment of last year.”

The game takes place this Sunday, with Kilkenny having secured a relatively comfortable passage into the final, with a comprehensive 2-19 to 1-16 win over Waterford, while Tipperary were made to work for their victory over Dublin.

For more information, read RTÉ.ie>

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