THE mayors of Cork and Limerick ran out on the county border in their respective team colours and mayoral chains for a friendly 'clash of the ash' after a week of online banter ahead of Sunday's match.
Limerick's Daniel Butler and Cork's Colm Kelleher had taken their county rivalry up a level as their hurling teams readied themselves for the actual All Ireland game.
Mr Kelleher had sent an email to his fellow mayor calling for the return of the Liam MacCarthy Cup to the Rebel county where it belongs.
Mr Butler replied he would arrange for Mr Kelleher to get a glimpse of the cup in Croke Park on Sunday before it heads back to Shannonside where it has felt right at home for two of the last three years.
The messages made their way online and the banter delighted social media users across Ireland, leading to their meeting on Thursday.
After a jokey knock-about, the men said it will be over to the players on the pitch to settle the matter.
Mr Butler said it was "wonderful to see that we can all come together in the true spirit of sport to celebrate the game of hurling, while still being fervent supporters of our county teams".
"Limerick people at home and abroad have been supporting this Limerick hurling team for many years and they are truly witnessing a golden era of Limerick hurling," he said.
"Win, lose or draw we are very proud of you as a team who embodies what Limerick has become, a county and city of ambition, skill and hard work."
Mr Kelleher said his county are "all so proud of our inspirational senior Cork hurling team and the hard work they've put in to bring us all together this Sunday for what will no doubt be a gripping edge-of-the-seat match.
"I'm calling on the people of Cork to show your support and celebrate our great hurling team by `painting the town red'. Get out and decorate your homes and light up your businesses and public buildings.
"Let's make sure the Liam MacCarthy Cup feels right at home."
