Galway defender Padraic Mannion has revealed that he is 'not surprised' that Limerick are their opponents in Sunday's All-Ireland SHC final.

The Shannonsiders have surprised many by reaching their first final since 2007 as they prepare to face the defending champions who have been the favourites for this year's title right from the outset.

This year's campaign threw up a new format with a more hectic, condensed schedule bringing about an air of uncertainty for counties hoping to make it through to the final.

Mannion feels that the underage success that Limerick have had meant that they were always going to impress at senior level.

"No, I am not surprised at all, particularly with the U21 success they have had. It was bound to happen. We played them both last year and this year (in the league). I know they have improved an awful lot since that but you could see then there was serious potential there," Mannion told the Connacht Tribune.

"As I said already, we have great respect for them and they way they came through their semi-final was exceptional. At this stage though, you just worry about yourself.

"Obviously you show respect to them and be aware of where their strengths are. But, at the end of the day, you have to get a performance from yourselves. If you don't do that you, you won't be successful."

Follow all the action from Sunday's All-Ireland SHC and MHC finals on our live match tracker.

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