How round 5 can determine the Munster Hurling final matchup

So after another breathtaking weekend of Munster Hurling Championship action, there is one remaining round with Limerick making the trip to Clare while Cork will play Waterford in Semple Stadium.

The final round of games will determine who will be contesting the Munster final on July 1st with the pairing determining the venue. Tipperary and Waterford are eliminated from the championship and cannot progress.

Both games have 2pm throw in times next weekend and here are some of the possible Munster final pairings depending on how round 5 goes.

Limerick v Cork

If Limerick beat Clare and Cork beat Waterford then it will be Limerick v Cork at the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick on July 1st. The same applies if Limerick win and Cork draw or should Limerick draw and Cork win.

Should Limerick and Waterford win, it will be a Limerick v Cork final as Cork will see off Clare in the head-to-head. If both games end in draws, it will also be a rematch of John Kiely and John Meyler’s sides due to Cork’s earlier win over Clare in round 1.

Cork v Clare

Wins for Clare and Cork in round 5 would see a repeat of the 2017 Munster final. A Clare win and a Cork draw could also see the same Munster final pairing but it would have to see Limerick suffer a heavy defeat in Ennis as Limerick  have a better scoring difference (+19) over Cork (+5).

Clare v Limerick

Should the Banner and Déise it would be Clare v Limerick in the final in Thurles. If Limerick and Clare draw coupled with a Waterford victory, then it will also see a meeting of the Shannonside neighbours in the final. A Clare win and a Cork draw would also see Limerick and Clare meet in the final as Limerick’s scoring difference is superior.