There are various permutations to this weekend’s hurling action, but the fact that Limerick could be eliminated is the standout.
If someone suggested that a few weeks ago, they’d be carried away by men in white coats but here we are - and it’s not exactly a shot in the dark either.
Clare-Cork is a 50-50 game but if it goes Cork’s way, Limerick will be out if they lose to Tipperary later on Sunday afternoon. Just imagine the atmosphere in Thurles if word comes through that Cork have won.
READ MORE: Check out our GAA section
It’s a pity that the games are taking place back-to-back - I’d love to be able to go to both on what is a real bonanza weekend for hurling.
The rumour mill went into overdrive with Limerick lately amid nonsense talk of unrest in the camp but whoever the genius was sitting at home with his blinds closed stirring it up on Twitter, they may just have added fuel to Limerick’s fire.
Players typically take their eye off the ball when repeatedly told how unbeatable they are but while Limerick, like most teams, are process-driven, you still need that bit of rawness inside you. And for Limerick, it’s them against everybody else right now.
The rest of the country is warming to the prospect of their being knocked out by Sunday evening and, to be honest, if I was from any other county I’d be thinking the very same. It was the same when the Dublin footballers were in their pomp a few years ago.
Everybody loves the underdog and to see a new team emerging, but I believe that will play into Limerick’s hands. Moreover, I think it’s something they need - that edge. I have no doubt that it will be referenced pre-match.
Liam Cahill has scalped all of the top teams in recent years, with one exception. He must be sick looking at John Kiely and, while he’d never admit it, I don’t doubt for a second that he’d love to get one over on him at long last. After all, you need that burning desire on the sideline as well as on the field.
He knows now that one big performance will likely see Tipp into a Munster final, while possibly leaving Limerick firmly in the rearview mirror too and throwing the whole Championship wide open.
Tipp seem to play with the shackles off and don’t care who is standing in front of them. The League semi-final against Limerick, in which they performed well for the most part before eventually being burned off, will tell them that they are up to it. But it will only do if they produce it across 70 minutes this time. And it’s in them.
They will be aware of the prize at stake. But standing in front of them are wounded All-Ireland champions who won’t relinquish their title without a fierce fight.
There’s only one place to be on Sunday at 4pm.
Cork's biggest test yet in Ennis
I took part in a preview night a number of weeks ago in Cork where I boldly predicted that Pat Ryan’s side wouldn’t survive the Munster Championship.
My reasoning was simple enough. While we don’t necessarily take the League at face value, their semi final performance against Kilkenny was worse than bad, and I just couldn’t shake it off when forming a judgement on them.
Then there is the fact that hurling ability alone won’t win you games. Cork have never been lacking in that department but the jury remains out on them in terms of the other crucial elements that make up a successful team - like raw aggression and work ethic.
To be fair, they have surprised me so far, but there will be no greater test of their mettle than going to Ennis this Sunday.
Win that and a marker has been set down, with a Munster final spot up for grabs the following weekend against Limerick, who they could also possibly eliminate altogether if they’re not already gone by then.
Clare are on a high just now, despite their under-20s’ defeat last Monday evening, but lose this and they will be looking for a favour from Tipperary.
So, no matter what way you cut it, both teams badly need a win here to keep their destiny in their own hands.
Offaly have us all rooting for them
As I said elsewhere in this column, we all love an underdog and so Offaly under-20s are everyone’s second favourite team just now.
Their win over Wexford on Wednesday night was a thing of beauty and these lads have really galvanised the county around them.
They just need to ensure it doesn’t become the case in a few years’ time where we’re reflecting and saying, ‘What happened to those great Offaly underage teams?’
This group need to drive Offaly hurling for the next 10 years and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t. They have top class hurlers who obviously work very hard.
Hurling needs Offaly, it needs Wexford and the more of these counties that can turn up and contest in the Liam MacCcarthy, the better for the game.
But these Offaly lads are tough and everybody outside of Cork will be cheering them on in the All-Ireland final.
Will under-20s turn Pat Ryan's head?
There's something different about the current Cork under-20 team - size.
We’ve all seen plenty of talented Cork underage teams emerge over the years but these lads have physicality to go with it.
Some of them are huge, like Ben Cunningham and Ben O’Connor, while it’s all supplemented with no little pace.
Sometimes, the under-20 games can be so much better to watch, with young lads being let loose, less tactics and more flow to the play.
Clare will be proud of their efforts but Cork just had too many strong players. Now, I wonder if Pat Ryan will phase a few more of them into his team this year? I certainly wouldn’t rule it out.
Read More
Katie Taylor blown away by 'amazing' support as she gears up for homecoming bout
Chantelle Cameron wouldn't have turned pro had it not been for 'trailblazer' Katie Taylor
Katie Taylor invites Dublin schoolgirl into ring at public work-out ahead of world title fight
Eddie Hearn addresses security and ticket issues ahead of Katie Taylor v Chantelle Cameron
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
