Gavin Cummiskey talks to defender Michael Kavanagh who has found final redemption after a spell on the bench
Just like the other Kilkenny regulars, Michael Kavanagh is one game away from joining the great names in hurling folklore - although, after damaging his hamstring in training at the weekend, the defender must first convince Brian Cody he is fit to line out in the final.
If he does, a three-in-a-row would ensure his legacy, but taking the record for All-Ireland titles off Cork, by beating Cork, has raised the match billing into the stratosphere.
The Rebel side may have laid down a marker at the semi-final stage with their big win over Wexford but they will be keenly aware that an immense defensive wall will greet them on Sunday - and not just comprising the six backs. The manner in which every Kilkenny player hooked and harried against Waterford was relentless. It was quite something watching Kavanagh's performance that day considering he was surplus to requirements just a couple of weeks previously.
With plenty of medals on the mantelpiece, this 25-year old veteran has a record much like the rest of his team-mates: three All-Irelands, a hatful of Leinsters and a plethora of underage crowns. Oh, and two All Stars.
Yet, all past achievements count for nothing in the present, a lesson Kavanagh learned this year. The fallout from Kilkenny's failure to claim a seventh successive Leinster title, when succumbing to a late goal from Wexford's Michael Jacob in June, brought out Cody's renowned ruthless streak. Five were dropped, including Kavanagh, as the team-sheet was rewritten.
"Disappointed, as I'd been there a couple of years," he admitted. "I supposed I suffered a small dip in form alright early in the year but I knew myself you don't turn into a bad hurler overnight. I knew I had to work on my fitness and sharpness. Get the head down, and I did that over those couple of weeks."
You can lose your place in Kilkenny by under performing in a training session, an ultra- competitive environment that pays little heed to reputation. Remember, last year's initial captain was Charlie Carter.
Kavanagh's many accolades meant little when sitting on the bench but humility brings its own lessons. "It was the first time I was off the team in seven years. I suppose being a first-team member for so long it is hard to get used to watching from the sideline.
"I suppose we had been stressing for the last couple of years the importance of the panel. I was every bit a part of it when I wasn't playing. Same as John Hoyne, Seán Dowling and the rest of the lads on the line.
"We were really egging the boys on and itching to get in there, up in Thurles and the games that we weren't playing. I know only 15 go out but the other 15 are every bit as important. I got to sample the other side of not playing. It showed me the importance of the panel."
An unmerciful culling of Dublin followed. Tommy Walsh was redeployed to corner back, while Mark Phelan took Kavanagh's number two shirt. Then in one of the best hurling displays of the summer, Galway were sent packing. James Ryall now had number two on his back and Kavanagh looked destined for a bit part at best.
Cody looked to have found the correct balance in his defensive lines. Somebody needed to slip up. Cue Clare's brave last stand. For the replay, Walsh was freed to his natural wing-back berth, allowing Kavanagh a chance at redemption. He stayed in for the Waterford semi-final and after that titanic defensive display Brian Whelahan, in these pages, declared Kavanagh was back to the standard we had got used to.
Cody made a couple more tweaks as James "Cha" Fitzpatrick made his ascension from minor to under-21 captain to fully-fledged Cat in under a year, while Martin Comerford was pushed up to a more devious role near the square. But it was the defence that got them on track.
Talking to a Kilkenny player the topic of how close they are to legendary status cannot be avoided. "The three-in-a-row has been mentioned and it is a great incentive for the players, for the management and everyone in the county," he admitted. "We're in a great position and none of this panel will probably ever get a chance to go for three-in-a-row again. Definitely, the majority of the panel, maybe the younger lads like Tommy Walsh or JJ (Delaney)."
What makes it even more special is the barriers Kilkenny have had to jump. Sunday will be their seventh championship match. Never have they taken such a winding path before.
"It's been a bit different alright this year. We have taken an alternative route. It's been a longer road. I suppose other years we would have an All-Ireland won after four games.
"There has been some great games, some great days out. Certainly it will be the toughest All-Ireland Kilkenny has ever won, if we do manage to pull it off."
