Former Tipperary star, John 'Bubbles' O'Dwyer, believes that Kilkenny stands a good chance among the four remaining teams to lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup this year. Kilkenny will face Clare at Croke Park on Sunday afternoon (4 pm), while holders Limerick will meet Galway at the same venue the previous evening (6 pm).
Limerick is once again the favorites to win the All-Ireland this year, but O'Dwyer, a native of Clonmel, believes that Derek Lyng's Kilkenny side is best placed to topple Limerick and win their first title since 2015.
During an episode of BBC Sport NI's The GAA Social podcast, O'Dwyer voiced his prediction that Kilkenny would win and also stated that a victory for the 'Cats' would bring back a more expressive style of hurling.
O'Dwyer said, "If Kilkenny break Limerick, that might bring it back to the more expressive brand of hurling," said the two-time All-Ireland winner. "For whatever reason, I just fancy Kilkenny to win the All-Ireland."
The Tipperary star believes that although people would not want to see Kilkenny win a 37th All-Ireland, traditional hurling fans would enjoy a return of the old Kilkenny.
Former Tipperary forward Bubbles O'Dwyer has backed Kilkenny to regain the All-Ireland hurling title 🏆
More ⤵️#BBCGAA #GAASocials
— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) July 6, 2023
John Kiely's Limerick team has been credited with revolutionising the game of hurling in recent years through their highly structured approach and exceptional athleticism.
While acknowledging that the Treaty men are "brilliant to watch," O'Dwyer doesn't necessarily believe that their method should serve as a blueprint for the overall health of inter-county hurling in the future.
"Limerick's style is incredibly structured, but it's executed so brilliantly that it makes the game interesting and enjoyable to watch. It's reminiscent of football, with their compact defense and two forwards left up front."
O'Dwyer, positioned at the center, alongside his Tipperary teammates Seamus Callanan and Noel McGrath in 2016, argues that the current trend in inter-county attacks favors "workhorses" over prolific scoring forwards.
"I don't think a team can now accommodate players like Seamus Callanan, Bubbles O'Dwyer, Jason Forde, and Noel McGrath all at once. Out of the six forwards, you need four hard-working players and two who can score."
According to O'Dwyer, the game is gradually losing its emphasis on natural talent and skill, giving way to size, power, and strength. It has become increasingly structured, to the point where he personally no longer finds enjoyment in watching the inter-county game.
"The game is getting less and less talented, for a natural hurler. It's become more size and power and strength instead of getting a ball and putting it over from 45 yards out from the sideline. It's gone so structured. I don't think I'd enjoy the game at an inter-county level now."
