Munster Hurling Championship predictions: Picking the county set to lift provincial crown
Limerick's Cian Lynch is tackled by Ger Millerick of Cork. Picture: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
The Munster championship is back underway on Sunday, so I've given myself the poisoned task of predicting which three teams get out.
Rather than ranking them one to five, I'll try to call each of the five rounds and let the table unfold from there. Given how impossible this competition is to predict, I’ll certainly make a fool of myself.
Clare and Waterford are first up in Ennis, and I’m already completely torn on how to call this one. The Déise had a pretty dire league campaign, the Banner strolled to the Division 1B title, and will be at home.
But Waterford tend to have one good performance in them, and I liked what I saw from them defensively at times in this year’s league. But Clare cannot afford a defeat in Ennis to start the season.
The All-Ireland champions host Cork, and this is another exceptionally tough call to make. Tipperary were excellent in parts during the league, and were dreadful in others. Cork were quite good for much of it, but definitely looked as though they were sandbagging in the final against Limerick.
Whether the past few weeks will have any bearing on Sunday’s meeting, we’ll see. But I don’t know if Tipp have struck the balance they found last season, and I don’t think Cork will accept anything but a win here.
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Regardless, this game will set the tone for the Rebels’ season more than most.
Cork and Limerick at the Páirc. This matchup has only gone one way on three occasions this season, but Cork’s last win here against Limerick is still remembered as one of the best games in recent history. It will be much closer than the league outings have been, more akin to last year’s Munster final.
Waterford will host Tipperary as Clare get the bye, and I honestly wouldn’t be surprised to see Tipperary fall here and suffer the same fate as Clare did the year before. However, I think Tipp’s quality far outweighs what the Déise have, and a defeat to Cork will be the kick in the teeth they need.
Clare and Limerick in Ennis, certain to be a cracker. Limerick have made a habit of sneaking over the line in games where it feels undeserved. Especially in Munster, and especially against Clare. I think that Clare will surprise a few and find a performance when it’s not expected of them.
Waterford will host Cork, desperately needing a win in Walsh Park to keep their championship hopes alive, but after a setback against Limerick, Cork will bring their best. The Déise will be competitive, but it won’t be enough.
Tipperary and Clare in Thurles. Winner will end up in a strong position to go through, the loser will be under severe pressure of not making the cut. It will be very, very tight.
Waterford will go to the Gaelic Grounds needing a result against Limerick. A result that they will not have the quality to find, and will go out of Munster without a win, but several close defeats.
Cork and Clare at the Páirc, win to secure qualification. If Clare lose they’re out. Cork will struggle in patches and Clare will look like doing it, but the Rebels will snatch it at the death.
With Clare eliminated this becomes a Munster semi-final, though they don’t know it, of course. Limerick and Tipp at the Gaelic Grounds, a matchup that won’t disappoint. They can’t be separated again.
So here is your three: Cork finish top with 6, Tipperary get the nod for second on scoring difference with 5 points and Limerick finish third with the same 5 point tally.
Clare end in fourth with 3, Waterford last with 1.
And the Munster final?
App?
