Talking Points after the weekend’s Munster Championship action

Last weekend Tipperary welcomed Cork to Semple Stadium where the sides played out an entertaining draw. In a game of two halves, both sides can count themselves unfortunate to not come away with a win. Cork can feel slightly more aggrieved having held a commanding nine-point lead at the break.

Meanwhile, Cusack Park hosted its first Munster championship game this century as Clare took on Waterford in the second round of the Munster Hurling Championship. Clare ran out impressive 2-27 to 2-18 winners over the Deise to make up for last weekend’s loss to Cork.

With Limerick travelling to Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Saturday evening we look at the talking points from a Limerick perspective after last weekend’s games.

Cork must be met with pressure in defence

Limerick will have been happy to see both sides drop points in Semple Stadium. Cork lie top of the table on three points after their opening two games. Limerick can go top this Saturday if they beat Cork in Pairc Ui Chaoimh. After their second half slump last Sunday, John Kiely will know that Cork are there for the taking. If it were not for a couple of brilliant Anthony Nash interventions Cork could have easily lost a game where they led by nine points at the break.

When the Tipp forwards applied a squeeze on the defenders in the second half, the Cork men lost their composure, this is something John Kiely will have noted and surely instructed his players to focus on. Against Tipp, the Limerick forwards were aggressive and produced a couple of turnovers. If they can apply the same pressure this weekend, they will reap the rewards.

Cork forwards need to be watched carefully

Cork registered 1-23 against Tipperary with the majority coming from play. With the style of their play, if Cork are giving time and space, they will score. Their defenders are deadly accurate with their distribution while their attackers are lethal in front of the posts. In Patrick Horgan, Conor Lehane and Seamus Harnedy, Cork have three of the best forwards in the country, three men capable of winning games on their own.

Kiely will be eager to get his match ups right ahead of the game. The way Cork operate is a fluid system focused on creating space for one on one opportunities where they thrive.

As a result, the Limerick defenders will be expected to move accordingly around their own half. Nicky Quaid will be crucial here to ensure that he is covered at all times. Limerick must ensure that the ball coming out of the Cork defence is under pressure. This is how Tipperary halted their momentum in the second period and Limerick should pick up from where Tipp left off.

Clare on the rise, Waterford falling

Against Cork, it was noted that should Clare’s attacking game fall into place, they would be a real threat in this Munster Championship. This came to fruition against Waterford last Sunday where in truth the result never really looked in doubt. Led by the brilliance of David McInerny, Colm Galvin, John Conlon and Tony Kelly Clare around the middle third, they racked up an impressive 2-28.

They now face a fortnight wait before facing Tipp in Semple Stadium. They will know that a victory here is vital if they are to set up a final day clash against Limerick in Ennis with something to play for. After Sunday’s performance, they will be confident of reaching a Munster final.

Clare vs Waterford. Clare’s Shane O’Donnell and Barry Coughlan of Waterford. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

As for Waterford, the immediate future is looking bleak. Despite reaching the All-Ireland decider last Autumn, Waterford are odds on to finish bottom of the group in Munster. The Deise have been decimated with injury and finished the game against Clare with only five of the side that started the All-Ireland final in September.

Austin Gleeson and Pauric Mahony, arguably their two key men missed the game through injury while Tadgh De Búrca, Barry Coughlan, Shane Fives and Noel Connors all picked up injuries in Cusack Park. This Sunday they face Tipp in the Gaelic Grounds, knowing that their season is already on the line.

Limerick in pole position in Munster

After two rounds of the Munster championship, only one team has a 100\% record. Granted, Limerick only have played one game thus far, yet expectations are high in the county. Saturday will tell a lot about John Kiely’s side who cannot be judged at this early juncture.

Yet, the signs so far are all positive. In the past Limerick fans could have been accused of jumping the gun with their lofty expectations, but a win on Saturday would go a long way in justifying that train of thought and help in their quest for securing a Munster final spot.