Jackie Tyrrell is a cool customer - calm and composed, something which epitomises this Kilkenny panel ahead of another All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final. You just can't beat the experience - ever present since 2003, the James Stephens clubman is seeking out his fourth Liam McCarthy triumph this September. He missed out on the winners' rostrum in 2005 - Tyrrell leading the Cats into an All-Ireland decider, only to be beaten by Cork and to watch on from the pitch below as Sean Óg Ó hAilpín gave one of the most memorable victory speeches of recent times as Gaeilge. Neighbours Waterford stand in the way of Tyrrell and his Cats colleagues in the 2008 All-Ireland Hurling showpiece, with an air of familiarity more than most for the 26-year old of what schemes are being concocted by the respective managements. Brian Cody needs no introduction and his record speaks for itself both on and off the pitch; as Kilkenny manager since 1999 he has guided the Cats to eight All-Ireland finals, including this month's encounter. On the opposite bench is Davy Fitzgerald, who is no stranger to Tyrrell. The Banner's hurling artist managed Tyrrell to Fitzgibbon Cup glory in 2005 and 2006, and he says that nothing has surprised him about how the charismatic Clare man turned Waterford's fortunes around to guide them to a first All-Ireland final in 45 years. "They have rejuvenated the Championship - under Davy Fitz they are a new team I suppose. I wasn't surprised at all to see them turning it around," Tyrrell enthused. "I had Davy Fitzgerald training me in Limerick IT, so I knew exactly what he was going to do and he has done it. "Davy is very organised and professional in his approach and he seems to be getting the best out of players," he said. "There were Waterford lads that were struggling earlier in the year but he seems to have rejuvenated their year really and is getting the best from them. He is a very good man-manager to read players and get the best out of them." And between Fitzgibbon Cup games and inter-county action, Tyrrell is aware that there's a lot of familiarity between both sets of players, ahead of the final. "There would be I suppose -they know our game and we know their game. We would have played with and against each other in Fitzgibbon Cup games and league matches. They beat us in the League final last year. We'd know their game and they'd know our game and it's going to be a battle of who gets the better of that really. "It's very intriguing for the neutrals," he added. A titanic battle ensued between Tipperary and Waterford in the All-Ireland hurling semi-final, but Tyrrell wasn't in the least astounded by the manner in which the Déise carved out an impressive two-point win. "On form Tipperary were the consistent team, being Munster and League champions. But I suppose with Waterford, I knew with Davy Fitzgerald there that they wouldn't be too far away from it and that's the way it proved to be. "At that stage Tipperary and Waterford are two excellent teams and you couldn't pick it really. It was very tight at the end and we weren't surprised with the way Waterford came through at all. Experience is one thing which Kilkenny don't lack, but Tyrrell says with constant pressure on the starting fifteen because of the keen competition which exists within the squad; it's a healthy and enthusiastic panel to be a part of. "It's brilliant - you only have to look at the lads on the sideline the last day to realise how lucky you are to be playing. I suppose lads have come in this year in different positions and have done unbelievably well. "You know that on any given day if you don't go out and put your heart into it and perform, that someone else is going to come into your position and perform in your place. You are always on your toes. "Look at PJ Delaney and John Dalton this year - that's just in the backs. They have come in and have been absolutely unbelievable with lads unlucky not to be playing. Places are up for grabs for the All-Ireland final and everyone wants to be playing." With All-Ireland finals so commonplace for the Cats in the modern game, Tyrrell shows no signs of his hunger for glory dwindling and is excited ahead of another All-Ireland final encounter. "All-Ireland's are expected in Kilkenny every year. We are back there and in an All-Ireland final and it's a great place to be. Who wouldn't want to be in an All-Ireland final? I suppose hunger isn't really an issue. Why wouldn't you want to win an All-Ireland really?," Tyrrell proclaimed. The All-Ireland final is something which Tyrrell and the vast majority of his current Kilkenny colleagues are used to, but he confesses an air of silence tends to descend over the team, as they approach Croke Park. "You'd be going up on the bus and lads would be chatting, but when you get near Croke Park everything seems to get a little quieter and everyone is just focussing in on their own job and what they have to do. "It does get nerve-wracking but that's all part and parcel of it. You get over that, get on the field and just wait for the first ball and work your way into the game." Thoughts of I-Pod's blaring music or any mad pre-match superstitions are dismissed by Tyrrell who takes an easy match day build-up to big games. "You get up and check that you have all of your gear ready and that. There's nothing anyway crazy about it. You just take it easy and whenever the time is ready to go and meet up with the lads and go up on the bus." Kilkenny have beaten Offaly, Wexford and Cork on the way to the final, while there has also been a chance to get in some club action during recent weeks. Jackie is glad to have tasted some action with his club in the past month, and he feels that this was a good idea by the Kilkenny County Board to get a round of club championship games in. "I think it was. You go to the clubs and then you come back and can refocus and assess Waterford's strength's - tunnel vision on them really. It's good to go back to the clubs as it breaks it up. When you come back you are looking forward to it and chomping at the bit really." As Kilkenny go in search of three-in-a-row glory, Tyrrell believes that the All-Ireland medals gained over the past two years have been special moments, despite all-ready having one Celtic Cross in the bag prior to these victories. "Winning the All-Ireland in 2006 was unbelievable. It was the same in 2007 - the feeling when the final whistle goes and you are All-Ireland champions is unbelievable. We really want to have that back again." And while the hype may be strong in both Kilkenny and Waterford ahead of the All-Ireland decider, Tyrrell believes that whichever side keep their composure on the day, will be taking the cup from GAA President Nickey Brennan after the game. "Waterford are in an All-Ireland final now and they have a great chance, just as we do. We are just going to have to concentrate on our own game and try and get that right and if that's right and we are right in the head we will have a good chance." Tweet

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