Who would have ever thought that we would see the day that a Kilkenny team would play a Monaghan side in an All-Ireland hurling final?

Well, Croke Park is the venue for the meeting of Kilkenny and Leinster champions Dunnamaggin and Monaghan and Ulster champions Castleblayney Faughs in Sunday’s All-Ireland club JHC.

There is a real David v. Goliath feel to this game and Castleblayney forward Fergal Rafter stressed to the Belfast Telegraph that there is no need for them to fear their opponents.

"It's a great challenge for us," said Rafter. "Obviously when you are going in against a Kilkenny side you are always going to be the underdog but that does not particularly worry us.

"We were not given much chance in some of our games so we are not in the least worried. We will be giving it our best shot and if we win it would be a tremendous boost for our club and indeed for Monaghan hurling overall. The footballers are usually in the spotlight but maybe we can steal their thunder this weekend."

Join the hoganstand.com match tracker on Saturday and Sunday for live coverage of the Allianz Football League, as well as the All-Ireland club championships.

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