Shane McGrath sees an upset in this Sunday’s All-Ireland senior hurling championship final if the game's close by the time Tipperary “start unleashing their bench” against Cork at Croke Park.

Tipp are 11/4 outsiders to tear up the script on the Rebels this weekend and deny them what would be a first Liam MacCarthy Cup triumph in two decades.

Liam Cahill’s men are aiming to become the first Premier County side to get their hands on the famous trophy since 2019 and, writing in his column for RTE Sport this week, McGrath outlined what he feels is the most likely scenario for Tipp to spring the upset at headquarters. 

“If this is a shootout, then one team wins, and Liam MacCarthy returns to Leeside for the first time in 20 years,” wrote the 2010 All-Ireland winner.

“If this becomes a war, and it is close by the time Tipp start unleashing their bench, then Tipp have a real chance of upsetting all the best-laid plans for celebrations in Cork on Monday night.

“So, who do I think will win?

“This Tipp team have shown us time and time again this year that they are up for the fight. They have mental strength, and when it comes to it, they are a very good hurling team.

“Cork have ticked all those boxes and more this year too. However, something is at me to say that finals take on a life of their own.

“Form leading up to that throw-in isn't worth any score on Sunday; it's all decided on one day.

“I just feel that Tipp will get the match-ups right, and they will perform, and that Tipp will win, just about.”

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