What Cork fans need to know about the remaining Munster Hurling Championship fixtures
Cork fans against Tipperary. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
Waterford's 2-23 to 0-21 victory over Clare at Walsh Park leaves the Munster Hurling Championship finely poised after four matches.
The Banner, already down Shane O'Donnell, lost Tony Kelly to sickness before the game, and though they turned around at half-time just 0-13 to 0-10 in arrears with the strong wind at their backs, didn't get the breaks they needed from there.
Instead, Stephen Bennett converted a debatable penalty and then pounced for a second goal after a point attempt hit the post. Waterford hurled very well though and welcome Limerick next Saturday night to Walsh Park full of confidence, knowing a victory would put them in a very strong position to qualify in the top three.
Remember, Waterford were beating Tipp late on at home 12 months before getting reeled in for a draw and only lost away to Clare through a last-gasp 65.
For Clare, getting fired up for the Déise in the same way they did for Cork was always going to be a challenge. And of course, as was the case for Cork against Tipp, the red card in their opening-day draw had a seismic impact on the action.
Cork actually have two weekends up before back-to-back fixtures on May 18 and 25, away to Limerick and then on home turf against Waterford.
Waterford-Limerick is the only game next weekend and the following Clare versus Tipp at Cusack Park is the main event. A defeat for either side there would make it unlikely they'd qualify.
Cork could reach the Munster final with one win for the Limerick and Waterford games, though we'll have a far clearer picture after the Ennis battle on May 10.
Waterford v Limerick, 6pm, Walsh Park.
Clare v Tipperary, 6pm, Ennis.
Tipperary v Waterford, 2pm, Thurles.
Limerick v Cork, 4pm, Gaelic Grounds.
Limerick v Clare, 4pm, Gaelic Grounds.
Cork v Waterford, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Munster final, 6pm.
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