The Echo Sport Podcast: Cork hurling special as Munster championship throws in

Cork have ticked every box so far this year, building up significant momentum on their way to a first league title since 1998.

They overwhelmed Tipp in the decider on Leeside, bringing their total of green flags in the last three games to 13, which included six up in Ennis where they head this Sunday.

The harsh reality is that league and championship are very different animals and All-Ireland champions Clare will unleash hell on Easter Sunday after getting hammered last month.

In our hurling special, we discuss the latest Cork-Clare showdown in detail with Denis Hurley, John Horgan and Jack McKay, and they offer their verdicts on the round-robin series while selecting their top three to qualify from Munster.

Limerick and Cork are considered favourites to reach the Munster final but that goes out the window if the Rebels are beaten at Cusack Park. With Liam MacCarthy still in their possession, the Banner are delighted to be written off given their excellent home record against Cork.

Can Brian Hayes build on his sensational spring form? Remember he wasn't in the starting line-up for the first round this time last year in Waterford.

Is Darragh Fitzgibbon's best position at 11 or will we see him back in midfield again over the coming weeks?

Cork's backs have been mean and tight lately and that improved defensive effort will be integral to bridging the gap to 2005, or even reach a first Munster final since 2018.

Our guests also discuss their personal Munster championship highlights over the years, the games and goals that stand out.

Barry O'Mahony joins us to preview Cork v Kerry in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. The Kingdom were pushed all the way by John Cleary's side in their last two meetings but the new rules suited Kerry's attack in their Division 1 league victory.

UPSET

Cork have done well to limit David Clifford's impact in their Old Firm collisions but it will take a heroic effort for the hosts to pull off an upset.

Rory Noonan reports from the league finals over the weekend, which saw Cork lose to Galway in football but win the camogie crown for the first time since 2013. How are both sides fixed for championship?

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast