Under the new arrangements, to be seen in action for the first time this year, Cork and Kerry have been placed on opposite sides of the draw at the semi-final stage priming them for another Munster final showdown.

While Cork and Kerry are always favoured to progress to the showpiece event, the move was seen as further diminishing the weaker counties’ chances of causing an upset and reaching the final.

Kissane admits that had he not retired he would be happy with the arrangement but that his perspective has changed since becoming part of the Clare management.

“Of course, if I’d my Cork jersey on I’d be saying, ‘isn’t it great?’” he told the Irish Examiner.

“But, at the end of the day, it’s about trying to develop the game and bring on the lesser counties to give them a chance. So I think an open draw would have been a lot better,” he added.

“I think it’s a bit unfair. You have lads here putting in a massive effort. Why would they not have the same chances as every other county? But look, it was out of our control and we just have to drive on and deal with Waterford first.”

Clare take on Waterford in their championship opener at Cusack Park in Ennis on the weekend of June 7/8.

Having secured promotion from Division 4, it has already been a good year for the Banner County and their one point loss to a more experienced Tipperary side in the decider will fill them with confidence facing into the summer.

Limerick will take on Tipperary in the other quarter-final at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick a week prior to the Banner’s clash.

The winners of the first game will face Kerry, while Cork lie in wait for the winner of the second quarter-final.