Limerick hurlers still lords of Munster but what does it mean for Cork?

THE Treaty managed a sixth successive Munster title last weekend as they showed no sign of complacency, and ran out comfortable winners against Clare.

Once again after facing Limerick, the Banner will be left to rue their missed opportunities knowing that it could have been a different outcome, but they can have little complaints about their six point defeat.

As they so often do, Clare failed to convert golden opportunities, which they had plenty of in the first half of the game.

They exposed the Limerick defence over and over, but were nowhere near clinical enough, and spent the second half chasing shadows – especially after Hegarty goaled. Peter Duggan and David Fitzgerald did well, but they didn’t have much help going forward outside of that. Though Clare did well defensively for most of the game, they just didn’t do enough with their scoring opportunities.

Aidan McCarthy wasn’t at his best from placed balls and Tony Kelly’s stop-start season continued in that fashion, as their star man failed to hit the heights of previous years once again. A bad wide from distance and goal chance off the post marked a disappointing day for Kelly.

Clare face another tough uphill battle, and will struggle to get beyond the All-Ireland semi-finals, where they will meet Kilkenny should they advance beyond the quarter final. On the contrary, Limerick were on form and made their scoring opportunities count.

The Treaty may have struggled at times to keep Clare from finding the space to threaten, but a superb display from Nickie Quaid complemented by a wealth of scorers were enough to secure yet another Munster title.

The record-breakers will be after one more though – that coveted five All-Ireland hurling titles in a row, and they’ll be tough to beat.

DETHRONE

Judging by Clare’s performance on Sunday and their results over the past few seasons, the Banner are unlikely to dethrone John Kiely’s men any time soon. This was their chance, and they bottled it.

That realistically leaves Kilkenny and the only other Munster survivor – Cork, as Limerick’s biggest threat. The Leinster Champions will certainly be pleased to have seen Clare’s struggles last weekend knowing they have a fantastic opportunity to get back on the big stage with a shot at redemption against John Kiely’s men.

You could argue that a Munster Championship win for Clare would have suited Cork perfectly, but I’d have been more concerned if the Banner finally managed to take the Munster crown from Limerick.

We all know how good Limerick are as a team, but the fact is, they can be beaten – as evident in Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh this day last month.

Had Clare won last weekend, it would give them a massive lift – and given Cork would have met Brian Lohan’s side in the semi-final, that had the potential to get very messy, especially when you consider the Rebels’ record against Clare over the last number of years.

One win in five meetings over the past six years is worrying.

Given Cork will start this weekend with a game against Offaly that will likely be followed by a clash against the Dubs, there’s plenty of time to prepare for Limerick. Cork will of course be favourites for both the prelim and quarter final, and should they stay injury free – it’s a fantastic momentum builder.

Meanwhile, the reigning champions will be a month without a championship game.

Of course, Limerick are well used to this format – and they’ve thrived on it over the last number of years. They’ll be ready for the Cork challenge should it come, but you can never write anyone off in the Liam MacCarthy Cup.

Clare’s hopes will certainly be dented and their failure to deliver on the big stage presents an ugly pattern, but for Cork and Kilkenny there is a glimmer of hope. After all, they are the two counties have been so dominant with the small ball from the beginning.

With 66 All-Ireland titles between them – Cork and Kilkenny will always be in the conversation, and they’ll fancy themselves this year. Limerick can only keep dominating for so long.

FRESH

Kilkenny have lost two finals in a row for only the second time in their history. They certainly won’t want to add a third.

Cork are 19 years without a title – the longest in the county’s history. That 2021 final is still fresh in all of our minds, and that’s no different for the players.

One thing’s for sure – Limerick haven’t got it wrapped up yet. There’s still time for an upset.