It’s still always about the All-Ireland for Cork but their attitude around the league had to change when they’ve now gone nearly two decades without an All-Ireland. Over the last few years, you were still wondering if Cork would show any interest in the competition, but they’ve almost been bullied into embracing it now.

The other semi-final was a non event given the complete no-show from Wexford.

If I was Kieran Kingston this week, I know exactly what way I’d be thinking. League semi-final. Home venue. Good weather. All-out. No looking ahead to the championship. No excuses. I’d nearly be ordering a batch of red Nike T-shirts.  Job to be done.

We’re at the stage of the season now where the league is, I won’t say irrelevant, but it’s certainly losing its value and importance with the championship coming so soon. Certain teams will crave a league title but the semi-final nearly looks a more appealing match than the final because you can go all out in that game, whereas managers might not want to risk some players two weeks out from their first championship match.

Waterford’s big win against Tipperary was even more impressive considering the amount of big names they were missing yesterday.

Cork were really impressive in their opening three league games last year before ending the campaign with a whimper

It’s only natural that Cork wouldn’t like Limerick after the heartbreak they’ve endured at their hands over the last few years. Last year’s All-Ireland final hammering was nearly the last straw but there comes a time too when a team has to more or less state loudly that enough is enough.

Clare weren't brilliant against Wexford, but it was much better than what we saw in Cork last weekend. Brick by brick. Step by step.

That deep inhalation of satisfaction that Ballygunner have been sucking into their lungs over the last couple of days must be all the more enjoyable again for more than just their super sub's winning strike. Because they overcame every obstacle imaginable against one of the greatest club teams before finally leaping into nirvana.

I just feel that the Waterford side’s graph is rising more steadily. Unlike Ballyhale, Ballygunner also seem to have a clean bill of health. There is pressure on them to deliver but if any group are capable of handling it and creating their own history, it’s Ballygunner.