Kilkenny are through to yet another All-Ireland final, where they will seek revenge on Limerick for vanquishing them at this stage last year.
It has been a dramatic ride through the championship for the Cats, who have left it to the death to secure major victories on more than one occasion this year.
Their semi-final victory over Clare relied on some last-gasp heroics from goalkeeper Eoin Murphy, who has been in top form once again in 2023.
Meanwhile, their Leinster final victory over Galway was sealed in the most dramatic of circumstances.
A second half fightback from Galway had the Tribesmen entering the final stages ahead, before a goal at the very end of injury time from Kilkenny back Cillian Buckley snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in an extraordinary conclusion at Croke Park.
Though he has not been a starting player this year, Buckley's contribution against Galway shows his importance to this Kilkenny team, and he will most certainly be a part of their panel for the All-Ireland final on July 23.
However, one decision made by Buckley could make his All-Ireland final a tougher day - as it has been revealed his wedding is scheduled to take place on July 22.
Kilkenny: Cillian Buckley made rather unfortunate wedding decision
It has been revealed that Buckley and fiancée Niamh Dowling will be married the day before the All-Ireland final takes place at Croke Park. Team-mate Walter Walsh - who himself will be married on July 29 - will be Buckley's best man.
11 June 2023; Cillian Buckley, right, and Walter Walsh of Kilkenny celebrate after their side's victory in the Leinster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Final match between Kilkenny and Galway at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Ex-Kilkenny goalkeeper David Herity revealed on Off the Ball earlier this week that Buckley had believed that the final would be taking place on the same weekend as it did last year, when the championship summer ended a week earlier, and the Cats faced Limerick on July 17.
It is unfortunate timing, and an unfortunate consequence of the GAA's rescheduling of the All-Ireland hurling final for 2023.
With David Blanchfield a potential injury concern for Kilkenny ahead of the final against Limerick, Buckley may see an opening to work his way into the team - but he will have to be on his best behaviour for his wedding the day before.
It could prove to be one of the greatest weekends of Buckley's life, if he and his Kilkenny teammates can secure All-Ireland glory on the Sunday afternoon.
Buckley's conundrum is not the first time this season that a hurling star has seen their schedule affected by a wedding. After Clare's famous victory at the Gaelic Grounds in the Munster championship, man of the match John Conlon revealed he had left his brother's wedding - at which he was the best man - to play in the game.
Featured image: Sportsfile
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