STAT ATTACK: Are we set for another draw on Sunday?

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Galway and Kilkenny face off on the All-Ireland SHC final this weekend and we cannot wait to see who comes out on top.

But will we find out on Sunday?

After all, like buses, we waited so long for an All-Ireland final draw in hurling and then three came along in a row.

Galway’s David Collins and Kilkenny’s Aidan Fogarty in the drawn All-Ireland final of 2012.

Before the draw in 2012, between the same sides who play this year’s final, the previous drawn final was in 1959.

That year, the first match between Waterford and (who else) Kilkenny ended level with a score of 1-17 to 5-5. Waterford went on to win the replay.

After that 53 year gap, we have entered what appears to be a golden age of hurling draws.

Infographic by Michelle O’Keeffe

Gaelic football isn’t immune either, as shown by Sunday’s draw and the stalemate between Mayo and Kerry last year.

Against the argument for a draw, the two times the sides have met this year there has been a winner, with Galway winning by two points in the Allianz League in March, and Kilkenny claiming the Leinster final in July with a scoreline of 1-25 to 2-15.

So can we expect a victor to lift the Liam McCarthy Cup after 70 minutes this weekend?

Hurling legend John Mullane believes we might not, saying this week: “We’ve had draws in the last three All-Ireland finals. I wouldn’t rule out another one”.

Paddy Power currently offer 8-1 on a draw on Sunday. They clearly feel it will be a close game, offering even money on the match to either end a draw or be won by a margin of one to four points. You can currently back the draw at 9/1 with Boylesports.

We’re all hoping for a superb game of hurling on Sunday and, judging by the recent past, we may just get another the following weekend.

Read next WATCH: All-Ireland SHC final analysis: Have Galway evolved since 2012?

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