Cork's ‘The Rock’ to take on Tipp's Nicky English at pre-All-Ireland event

Cork hurling legend, Diarmuid ‘The Rock’ O’Sullivan, won his third and last All-Ireland senior hurling medal in 2005 — but will be the centre of attention and surrounded by Cork fans on All-Ireland Sunday as he is one of the guest analysts for a special pre-final event at Dublin’s Arlington Bar on Bachelor’s Walk, at 12pm.

The unbreachable full-back who stirred Cork to inspirational heights with his stalwart defence is going head-to-head with ace Tipperary forward and All-Ireland medal winner from an earlier era, Nicky English, at the event ahead of the 3.30pm throw-in.

Fans will be keen to hear the Cloyne man’s predictions for Cork’s return to Croke Park after last year’s disappointing defeat to Clare.

Their performance against Dublin at the weekend has installed them as favourites — but Tipperary are traditional and dangerous adversaries.

O’Sullivan won the first of his three All-Ireland medals in 1999 and was back on the Hogan Stand winners’ podium in 2004 and 2005 and won four All Star awards. while the Tipperary forward won two All-Irelands, the first in 1989 and the second in 1991.

Despite being from two eras, the two former players will know each other well and will be hosted in a lively discussion of how the match may unfold by Paddy Andrews — seven-time All-Ireland winner with the Dublin footballers.

The hostelry is aiming for an early start to proceedings as it opens for breakfast for hungry hurling supporters from 9am, and the atmosphere will be building from then.

A similar event will be staged at the bar located close to O’Connell Bridge on the Sunday of the All-Ireland football final, and the line-up for this event will be finalised after this weekend’s semi-finals which see Donegal take on Meath on Sunday, while Kerry face Tyrone on Saturday.