Fitzgerald's Banner need O'Donnell to perform
The famed Munster hurling championship begins this afternoon in Semple Stadium with Clare meeting Limerick for the right to challenge provincial championship favourites Tipperary in the semi-final.
However, it might take a second clash of these southern rivals before we have a definitive last-four pairing.
Davy Fitzgerald’s outfit defeated Limerick 1-22 to 0-18 in the All-Ireland semi-final of 2013.
The Treatymen reached the same stage last year only to lose to would-be champions Kilkenny.
Therefore, despite Limerick failing to achieve their goal of promotion to Division 1A of the league again this term, TJ Ryan’s men will obviously be at concert pitch for this particular encounter.
If Limerick can get talismanic figure Donal O’Grady on the ball regularly they will trouble the Banner County representatives.
Fitzgerald has named quite a strong side irrespective of being without key operators from their All-Ireland-winning unit of two years ago such as Colm Galvin and Podge Collins, arguably their two most dynamic and efficient players in that successful campaign.
Shane O’Donnell tormented Kilkenny in the meetings of the sides in the league and Clare’s overall pace could be the difference between the protagonists.
However, Shane Dowling possesses ruthless inside-forward qualities too and this contest could be defined by which of Dowling and O’Donnell has the greater impact on proceedings.
Still, it would surprise us if there was to be more than a score in this either way if there is to be a winner at all.
In fact, a titanic stalemate may transpire.
Monaghan were so impressive in the NFL Division 1 that it is difficult to envisage an ultra-defensive Cavan outfit scoring enough to trouble Malachy O’Rourke’s side.
Monaghan’s top-level experience should lead to them negotiating Cavan’s defensive shield effectively.
John Evans’ Roscommon will be competing against the likes of Dublin and Kerry in the 2016 league such has been their progress.
The Exiles could be in for a torrid afternoon despite having this tie on their own patch.
