Remarkably, this will be Michael Kavanagh's ninth All-Ireland final, having played in his first 10 years ago when Kilkenny were ambushed by an Offaly side they had already defeated in the Leinster final. By contrast, Mullane - who is just a year younger - is facing into his first after Waterford beat Tipperary last month to qualify for the showpiece game for the first time in 45 years. Kavanagh, who won't turn 30 until next April, has been a virtual ever-present at corner back since Brian Cody came to power a decade ago. He is the holder of five All-Ireland and 10 Leinster medals, and has long been recognised as one of the tightest markers in the game. There is nothing flashy about the St. Lachtain's clubman - he goes about his duties in a quiet and efficient manner and always takes the sensible option when it comes to off-loading possession. A manager's dream you could say. Mullane, on the other hand, is a fire and brimstone type of character who plays with his heart on his sleeve. The De La Salle dynamo has been in sparkling form all season, and was one of the few Waterford hurlers to cover themselves in glory in the Munster championship first round defeat to Clare. He scored 0-8 from play in a virtuoso display against the Banner, and certainly didn't deserve to end up on the losing side. Mullane, who captained Munster to inter-provincial success last year, made his Waterford debut in 2001 and has won three Munster medals and one National League since then. But probably his best shift in a Waterford jersey came against Cork in 2003 when he joined an elite band of players to score a hat-trick of goals in a Munster final. Despite his heroics, however, Waterford still lost the game. The corner forward has never been far from controversy, but drew praise from the GAA authorities after he decided against appealing a suspension handed down to him following his contentious sending off against Cork in the 2004 Munster final. Mullane is lightening fast and this is something that could cause problems for Kavanagh on All-Ireland final day. But the Kilkenny man compensates for his perceived lack of pace with his excellent reading of the game, and will be hoping for yet another shutout against the Waterford livewire. Tweet

Most Read Stories