HOW THEY RATED

Marks out of 10

Galway

1. JAMES SKEHILL 8 Since coming in for Colm Callanan, has impressed me with his handling. Needs to vary puckouts a bit more. Very steady.

2. ADRIAN TUOHEY 9 Over the last month in particular has been really impressive. Great man-marker. Very fast.

3. DAITHÍ BURKE 9 Strong and mobile - does the basics of full-back play superbly. After winning a club football All-Ireland with Corofin, has been some 12 months.

4. JOHN HANBURY 8 Seamus Callanan looked to have shattered his confidence in the 2015 semi-final but has grown into something of an unsung hero. Can be forgiven the lapse against a red-hot Shane O’Donnell.

5. PÁDRAIG MANNION 10 Outstanding. This year, has moved his game on to a different level. His use of the ball is phenomenal. So many scores start with him.

6. GEARÓID MCINERNEY 9 The missing piece of the jigsaw in winning last year’s All-Ireland. Does the simple things so well.

7. AIDAN HARTE 9 If you look at the Galway backline, you have two out-and-out hurlers in Mannion and Harte. A beautifully balanced player.

8. JOHNNY COEN 9 Plays a key role in terms of picking up a potential danger man, as he did with Jamie Barron in last year’s final. Given his background as a defender, likely to be detailed on Cian Lynch.

9. DAVID BURKE 9 Brilliant captain last year. Had a lull in the League but has come back to his best. Immense in last year’s final, loves the big day.

10. JOSEPH COONEY 8 Plays a deep role around midfield and even his own half-back line. Huge man. Can pop up for scores. Big asset for puck-outs.

11. JOE CANNING 10 We know how good he is but his leadership stands him out. Another of the on-field generals. Between scoring from play, from frees, from line-balls, he is going better than last year when he won Hurler of the Year.

12. JONATHAN GLYNN 8 Obviously brilliant in the air. A selfless player. Maybe a bit isolated the last day but scored a great goal which showed his hurling ability.

13. CONOR WHELAN 9 A super man to get out and front and take that low ball in his hand, turning at the same time. Another real leader up front.

14. CONOR COONEY 8 Last year he was on fire in every match. He could be the man then to have a huge game after being out of sorts. Too much class and ability for it not to click.

15. CATHAL MANNION 9 Will drift out the field. Has pace, skill - possibly the sweetest striker in the game. Can score from distance with just a flick of the wrists.

TEAM TOTAL: 132

Limerick

1. NICKIE QUAID 9 Latest in a long line of greats, after his dad Tommy. Plays outfield with club. Great hands, quality puck-outs. And then there was that save against Cork!

2. SEÁN FINN 9 Tough, fast, a traditional man-marker. But there’s a touch of class about his hurling. Had a great year to date.

3. MICHAEL CASEY 8 Very good when goal chances on, getting his body in the right place. Great hurling brain. Not the biggest so will be targeted.

4. RICHIE ENGLISH 8 In your face. Tight marker. Oldschool in many respects. Solid rather than spectacular.

5. DIARMAID BYRNES 9 Epitomises the maturity of Limerick. Not taking as many wild shots from distance. Playing more defensively, playing for the team.

6. DECLAN HANNON 9 Great hands. Spent early part of career in the forwards. He’ll hurl from six rather than lay it off with a handpass. Lovely stylish hurler, suits the way Limerick play.

7. DAN MORRISSEY 8 Very composed under pressure. Strong in the air. Uses the ball intelligently. One of the stand-out players for Limerick.

8. DARRAGH O’DONOVAN 8 So mobile in keeping with modern midfielder. Going to be on David Burke so might have to curtail his own attacking game. Very strong partnership with Cian Lynch.

9. CIAN LYNCH 9 Early in his career, came with all the flicks and an unbelievable skill level. Is now a brilliant ball winner and link man. His performance could decide the game.

10. GEARÓID HEGARTY 9 Skill level outrageous – look at the way he bounced the ball into his hand for a big score against Cork. An imposing presence with a huge workrate and great attitude.

11. KYLE HAYES 9 Doesn’t play as a traditional 11 but roves the whole time. Serious leader for such a young man.

12. TOM MORRISSEY 8 One of the main reasons they are in the final after what he did against Kilkenny. Catching that puck-out after the Richie Hogan goal was so crucial. A blip the last day but can happen to any player.

13. AARON GILLANE 9 Great player, from frees and play. Just needs to hold on to his hurl! Missed a hatful of goal chances with the boot. Confident lad.

14. SÉAMUS FLANAGAN 8 I love players who don’t have a massive underage reputation but have the work ethic to make it at senior. Can drift out of games. On fire when on song.

15. GRAEME MULCAHY 9 Quiet in Ennis against Clare but I think he has been Limerick’s best player overall. John Kiely has reenergised him. He epitomises their campaign more than anyone.

TEAM TOTAL: 129