The 20 miles separating Portumna and Birr might as well be a yawning ocean as the two proud hurling communities will find little common ground in the lead-up to their St. Patrick's Day clash in the All-Ireland club final in Croke Park.

STAR MAN...Ace marksman Joe Canning who will be hoping to lead Portumna to their second All-Ireland club title in three years when they take on Birr in the final on St. Patrikc's Day. Photo: Declan Monaghan.

The two clubs have never met in the championship but that has done little to defuse local rivalry and the respective coaches, Dinny Cahill and Padjoe Whelehan, will doubtless know each other's charges inside out.

Whelehan's sons remain the backbone of the Birr side with Simon and Barry enjoying a good year alongside veteran captain Brian.

And with a place in the annals beckoning, the Offaly champions won't lack for extra motivation. Birr are level with Ballyhale Shamrocks at the head of the club honours list with four titles each, and having accounted for the holders in the Leinster semi-final, will be fiercely determined to seal a fifth crown.

Portumna, of course, were champions in 2006 and will field the bulk of the side that defeated Newtownshandrum in that decider.

Damian and Niall Hayes will pose a constant forward threat, while much of the focus will again surround attacking prodigy Joe Canning, whose scoring exploits become ever more impressive. Joe's brother Ollie will look to lead by example in a strong full-back line while Cahill will hope that Eoin Lynch can shake off a hand injury to take his place in midfield.

Birr struggled at times in retaining their county title but really kick-started their All-Ireland bid with that win over Ballyhale – revenge for a drubbing at the hands of the Kilkenny side in the previous year's Leinster final.

They were a little fortunate to escape from a controversial Leinster decider with Dublin champs Ballyboden, but had too much for Dunloy in the All-Ireland semi.

Besides the Whelehans, the Hanniffy brothers, Rory and Gary, are invariably central figures, Niall Claffey is a sticky defender with a wealthy of experience and goalkeeper Brian Mullins is capable of top-drawer shot-stopping.

Both sides know what's required at this stage and Portumna will look to their exciting firepower up front to edge what should be a terrific contest.

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