Limerick manager John Kiely is relishing Saturday's All-Ireland U21 HC final clash with Wexford.

The Munster and Leinster champions are due to meet in what promises to be a compelling contest at Thurles on Saturday night, with precious national silverware up for grabs.

"This is an All Ireland final and a two-horse race - it's a 50-50 match," the former county dual star tells The Limerick Leader. "They are three-time Leinster champions and defeated in the All-Ireland final last year and they beat Galway in the All Ireland semi-final last year so they have to be given due respect for that. A lot of these guys played senior for Wexford last year and this year - they are a good side.

"It's going to be a huge battle and we got to get ourselves right and be focused. I have no doubt that there will be moments in the game when both teams will go toe-to-toe with key battles to be won and we have got to be ready for that and I am sure they won't be found wanting in that department either.

"It's all about the performance on the day - we want to be as good as we can possibly be, be the best we can possibly be and put ourselves out there to see if that is good enough and that's what finals are about - getting across the line at the end of the day. It's a great privilege to be in the final but I have been involved in some finals and didn't come out the right side of them and that's not an enjoyable place to be.

"It will be a titanic battle and I have no doubt it will be a super game of hurling - if we are there or thereabouts with ten minutes to go I think we will have the hunger to push on."

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