Battle lines are drawn as Limerick holds it's breath for the Munster final!

THIS SATURDAY, 43,000 voices will roar from the pit of their lungs as Limerick and Cork collide in TUS Gaelic Grounds for the ultimate Munster final, the fiercest rivalry in hurling, The Treaty versus The Rebels.

It will be a modern-day Colosseum, man against man, 15 against 15, the pride of every man, woman and child within each county’s boundary line at stake.

The build-up to this Saturday’s clash has gripped both counties with feverish anticipation. From church pews and farmyards to pub stools and exam halls, all roads lead to TUS Gaelic Grounds this June 7 for the 6pm throw-in.

In addition to what will be an undisputed sporting spectacle, it has been confirmed that acclaimed singer-songwriter Gavin James will perform in the stadium from 4:35pm, for any lucky fans who have managed to get their hands on tickets via the county board.

With tickets like gold dust, demand for accommodation in Limerick has also skyrocketed.

READ ALSO: Acclaimed singer-songwriter to perform ahead of Munster hurling final in Limerick

As of Tuesday, only a limited number of hotel rooms remain available in the city and nearby areas, with the cheapest option, a twin room in the suburbs, costing €219. City centre stays have passed the €300 mark.

Additionally, the later-than-usual throw-in time has clashed with traditional Mass schedules, prompting some parishes to make swift adjustments.

The Limerick Leader understands that Bishop Brendan Leahy has no jurisdiction to mandate changes. Those who have moved Mass times to 5pm to facilitate supporters include Kilmallock, Kilfinane, Ardpatrick and Doon.

Patrickswell’s Richie Bennis, who won an All-Ireland with Limerick in 1973 and managed the Limerick senior hurlers in 2007, is a daily Mass-goer.

He said: “Parishes should move Mass times to facilitate Limerick fans who want to watch the match.” He also acknowledged that there may be sensitive reasons why some cannot.

The 43,000-strong crowd will bring more than noise and colour, Limerick publicans are also gearing up for a bumper weekend.

“It will be an exciting time for the city,” said Eamonn O’Rahilly, chairperson of the Limerick branch of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) and proprietor of The Spotted Dog in Janesboro.

“We are looking forward to what will hopefully be Limerick’s success on Saturday at the TUS Gaelic Grounds and this great rivalry again,” he said.

“It will be a good match and the trade for publicans is great on the day, not just in the city but across all boards, cafés and takeaways too. We promote responsible drinking and we want people to enjoy themselves, keep Limerick tidy and have a great success!”

READ ALSO: 'Magnificent seven' the target for Limerick hurlers in provincial showdown

Across the county border in Charleville, perched on the N20 and culturally torn between the two counties, the intensity is just as fierce, especially among the younger generation.

At all-boys secondary school Charleville CBS, deputy principal Kevin Butler says the county rivalry is part of school life.

“The rivalry here is palpable at times,” he said.

“It’s a very hurling-rich area, south Limerick and north Cork. The boys get great banter out of it. We’re happy in the school if one of them can bring home a trophy.”

Meanwhile, at all-girls St Mary’s Secondary School, the energy is ‘electric’.

“With Charleville’s unique location brings a healthy county rivalry in a number of sports,” said principal Maighréad Finn.

“The dedication and hard work shown by our players is second to none. All this makes for a wonderful sporting atmosphere throughout the school community.”

St Mary’s boasts 33 All-Ireland camogie titles and a formidable line-up of past pupils, including well-known camogie stars Cork’s Ashling Thompson and Limerick’s Aoife Sheehan.

Current St Mary’s students often represent their school on the same team but line out on opposite sides at county level.

Among them are Limerick’s Aoife Morrissey, sister to Sean Morrissey, Limerick minor captain last year, as well as Róisín Herlihy and Ava McDonogh.

Ava, daughter of former Limerick corner-back Stephen McDonogh, names Aaron Gillane as her favourite player.

Crecora camogie player and Manister native, Chloe Costello’s mother Eileen played camogie for Limerick, and sixth-year Caoimhe Cunningham currently lines out with the Limerick U23s.

READ ALSO: Five Limerick representatives win All-Ireland titles in Croke Park

As for the Munster final itself, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Limerick are chasing a seventh Munster title in a row and remain unbeaten under John Kiely’s management in provincial finals.

A victory over Cork for the Cian Lynch captained side will put Limerick into the All-Ireland SHC semi-final on Saturday, July 5, in Croke Park, while a defeat will mean the team will join the All-Ireland series at the quarter-final stage.

Speaking ahead of the clash, John Kiely said: “It’s a Munster final, it’s here in the Gaelic Grounds. It’s Cork coming again, what happened in the round-robin is irrelevant. This is a whole different scenario, we have to embrace this occasion and we want to keep the Mackey Cup, that’s the bottom line.”

This is the first Munster final between the two sides since 2014. Should the sides be level after full-time, it will go to extra time and a scoring shootout if needed.

For the people of Limerick and Cork, this rivalry is not just a sport that is played - it’s lived.