STAT ATTACK: Are we set for another draw on Sunday?

Wed, 02 Sep, 2015 - 17:00

Grainne McGuinness

Galway and Kilkenny face off on the All-Ireland SHC final this weekend and we

But will we find out on Sunday?

After all, like buses, we waited so long for an All-Ireland final draw in hurling and then three came along in a row.

Galway's David Collins and Kilkenny's Aidan Fogarty in the drawn All-Ireland final of 2012.

Before the

That year, the first match between Waterford and (who else) Kilkenny ended level with a score of 1-17 to 5-5. Waterford went on to win the replay.

After that 53 year gap, we have entered what appears to be a golden age of hurling draws.

Infographic by Michelle O’Keeffe

Gaelic football isn’t immune either, as shown by

Against the argument for a draw, the two times the sides have met this year there has been a winner, with Galway

So can we expect a victor to lift the Liam McCarthy Cup after 70 minutes this weekend?

Hurling legend John Mullane believes we might not, saying this week: “We've had draws in the last three All-Ireland finals. I wouldn't rule out another one”.

Paddy Power currently offer 8-1 on a draw on Sunday. They clearly feel it will be a close game, offering even money on the match to either end a draw or be won by a margin of one to four points. You can currently back the draw at 9/1 with Boylesports.

We’re all hoping for a superb game of hurling on Sunday and, judging by the recent past, we may just get another the following weekend.