ODDS | Limerick remain heavy favourites to retain Liam MacCarthy as race comes down to final six

The All-Ireland quarter-finals take place this Saturday in a Thurles double header.

With just six teams remaining in the hunt for the Liam MacCarthy title, John Kiely’s Limerick remain heavy favourites to retain their title according to the bookmakers.

Limerick are 1/2 favourites to climb the steps of the Hogan stand for the third successive year after winning Munster just over a week ago.

Last year, Limerick retained the title for the first ever time as they look to make more history this season.

They are assured of their semi-final place after the provincial win, as are Kilkenny who are third favourites in the Paddy Power odds at (7/1), behind Clare (11/2) who Limerick beat in the Munster final.

If Clare win their quarter-final clash this weekend, then they are guaranteed to meet the Cats in the last four.

The Banner meet Wexford (33/1) this Saturday at 3.45pm in Thurles with Cork (9/1) and Galway (14/1) opening proceedings at 1.45pm.

All-Ireland semi-final permutations.

If Clare win, Limerick will have a repeat semi-final from either 2018 when they defeated Cork after extra-time or 2020 as they outlasted Galway.

On both occasions Limerick went on to win the All-Ireland title.

If Wexford beat Clare and Cork also win, then Limerick will meet the Yellowbellies in the All-Ireland semi-final for the first time since 1955 where the Leinster side were victorious before going on to claim national honours.

The All-Ireland semi-finals will be played on the weekend of 2/3 July in Croke Park.

All-Ireland Hurling Championship Outright Odds

• Limerick – 1/2
• Clare – 11/2
• Kilkenny – 7/1
• Cork – 9/1
• Galway – 14/1
• Wexford – 33/1