The most competitive provincial championship in the GAA promises to be as good as ever…
The Munster Senior Hurling Championship gets underway this weekend as Cork take on Waterford in the quarter final, with the winner going on to face All-Ireland champions Clare in the semi-final. The other semi-final between Limerick and Tipperary takes place on June 1 in Semple Stadium.
Here’s JOE’s look through all the teams vying for glory in the south…
Clare
Can they go again? That’s the question that hangs over every defending All-Ireland champion. There is a real sense that this Clare side can do it because of the group at Davy Fitz’s disposal. They’re a young, ambitious, tightly-knit panel of players who won’t be satisfied with one Liam McCarthy Cup on their CV.
Key Player: Tony Kelly – Brendan Bugler was very close but Kelly is the hurler of the year and the jewel in the Banner’s crown. We can’t wait to see if he can up his game this year.
Young Player: Cathal O’Connell – The thing is that there’s so many young players that we could have picked but O’Connell is a forward who could make an impact. League experience under his belt and he scored 0-11 in last year’s All Ireland under 21 final.
Superhero fan: The Human Torch – THT is a huge fan of the Banner after seeing them catch fire in Croke Park last summer; he can also relate to the speed of their players.
JOE’s Prediction: All-Ireland champions.
Cork
Despite making last year’s All-Ireland Final a lot of people still aren’t convinced by the Rebels. Jimmy Barry-Murphy will be hoping that experience, plus the addition of Aidan Walsh, Eoin Cadogan and Damien Cahalane, will add the quality in depth that was lacking last year.
Key Player: Patrick Horgan – The Glen Rovers man is one of the best forwards in the country, he’s capable of scoring from anywhere and his free-taking is exceptional.
Young Player: Cormac Murphy – The Mallow defender was added to the panel in April after impressing with the under-21s and UCC. There are places up for grabs in the defence so he may get a chance.
Superhero fan: Spiderman – Peter Parker noticed how Cork held on so well to stay in games. That reminded him of the power of his web-shooter and he’s been a supporter ever since. He can be spotted jumping between the lamposts on Patrick’s Street on match day.
JOE’s Prediction: All-Ireland quarter-final.
Limerick
Donal O’Grady leaving the set-up has dampened spirits in Limerick. There’s a mixed view on how the players will react; it could galvanise the squad or it may have upset morale and the season could be hugely underwhelming. You’d imagine the sight of a Tipperary jersey will get them going though.
Key Player: Shane Dowling – One of a number of forwards who Limerick need to bring their A game summer. Dowling is a sharp-shooter from a dead ball and has wonderful vision so he’s capable of big things.
Young Player: Declan Hannon – A young players who has developed into one of the key men quickly. David Reidy has been ruled out through injury but once back fit, he should force his way into the attack.
Superhero fan: The Green Arrow – The bow and arrow wielding hero sees similarities between himself and the Treaty County’s forwards; young and very accurate. The green jersey will also help him blend into the crowd at the Gaelic Grounds.
JOE’s Prediction: All-Ireland quarter-final.
Tipperary
There’s a lot of pressure on Eamonn O’Shea and Tipperary this year. A solid league campaign will make them feel they can avenge the defeat to Limerick last year when they meet in the semi-final on June 1.
Key Player: Seamus Callanan – He’s been outstanding in the league and looks set to take the championship by storm. He looks as confident as any player in the country right now.
Young Player: James Barry – He captained UCC in the Fitzgibbon Cup earlier this year and had a great league campaign in Tipp’s defence. A real find.
Superhero fan: Superman – Clark Kent knows a superpower when he sees one and Tipp certainly tick all the boxes. In Clark’s GAA column in The Daily Planet he says, “if the Premier County can avoid their kryptonite, Kilkenny, they’ll go close”.
JOE’s Prediction: All Ireland semi-final.
Waterford
The Deise were relegated from Allianz Hurling League Division 1A earlier this year and that hurt because it was a decent campaign. Derek McGrath is rebuilding and we think this year may be one of those years of transition. Expectations are low.
Key Player: Michael ‘Brick’ Walsh – A man mountain and one of the most naturally gifted hurlers in the country. The leader and the captain, he always brings the best out of those around him.
Young Player: Austin Gleeson – There are four newcomers included in the team for Sunday’s game and Gleeson is one to watch in the half-forward line.
Superhero fan: Aquaman – He’s seen Waterford tread water in recent times so he feels their pain. He was overheard in Dungarvan recently saying the Cork game is sink or swim…
JOE’s Prediction: All Ireland quarter-final.
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