A first league final meeting between Cork and Tipperary since 1960. Tipp’s last title arriving in 2008, Cork’s in 1998. As Tipperary manager Liam Cahill aptly put it, this clash will indeed be “massive” for both teams as they seek to end their respective league droughts. Cork’s last league final appearance was in 2022 and ended in a disappointing 4-20 to 1-23 defeat against Waterford. That day in Thurles was bitterly disappointed and set the tone for what would follow later in that championship season. In 2023, both teams were beaten in the semi-finals with Cork falling to a six-point defeat in Kilkenny, while Tipperary lost by as many in Limerick. This one is big. It’s a big one for both teams. Though the reasons differ. For Cork, this is an opportunity to get some long awaited silverware. It may only be the league, but after the way last season ended it would be great for this group to win something. It would certainly bolster confidence heading into a season where Cork have to deliver, for their own sake. The league has already been beneficial in that regard from a Cork perspective. They’ve looked sharp particularly in front of goal, and finished the campaign exceptionally well with the wins over Clare and Galway. Defeat to Tipp won’t derail Cork's – but if they can maintain the winning momentum it would be a huge help leading into the Munster Championship. PREMIER PROMISE For Tipp it’s a similar case, in that the league has been great for the Premier County no matter what way Sunday pans out. Of course they’ll want to win – but they’ve primed themselves brilliantly for the championship season. The focus for both teams will ultimately be on the opening round of Munster, as Cahill already highlighted when speaking to the Irish Examiner. “It’s a massive game for both teams. Cork are that little bit more advanced than us. I don’t think I’m being any way political in saying that. “They have a steady, structured team,” he said. “They’re All-Ireland finalists from last year and their currency now is silverware. “We find ourselves in a League final. We’re delighted to be there. When a national title is on offer, you go after it. There’s no better way to prepare for Munster. This league final with the crowd expected in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh is going to be perfect for a Cork side looking to simulate a championship game. That shoe also fits for Tipp, who have transformed their team. DEVELOPMENT Tipperary have done a lot of things right this year. Not only were they the only Division 1A side to get the better of Cork – but they’ve revamped their squad completely. Darragh McCarthy has been their standout performer, despite being one of many debutatants. He scored 1-6 in his first appearance against Galway, finishing as the league’s top scorer with 2-44 across five games. He nailed 0-12 against Kilkenny, 1-7 against Wexford and 0-10 against the Rebels. If Tipperary are going to get back to where they belong – he’ll be at the heart of it. Dylan Walsh showed glimpses, and raised a green flag against Cork. Joe Caesar, Robert Doyle and Sam O’Farrell have all done well in various cameos. Jason Forde and Jake Morris are always capable forwards and show that every year. Tipperary look a much improved side. League form only counts for so much and by no means do their performance suggest they’ll be All-Ireland contenders, but they’ve turned a corner. They look unified and they’re playing with purpose. I’d argue they closely resemble where Cork were in 2023. Even though the Rebels’ summer ended in disappointment that year – there was a lot to be satisfied with. It drove hope back into the Cork support, and that reflected last year when everything finally clicked against Limerick during that famous win in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.