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.

Clare couldn’t deal with Cork’s heat when in possession and Cork feasted on turnovers and unforced errors that came off those plays

We’re back to this perennial argument again at the start of every season; apart from Kilkenny, does any team have any real interest in winning the league?

He was a hugely imposing figure, but Pádraic Maher didn’t just trade on that physique and physicality because he was as brave as a lion

It’s always only hurling but, while we all understand that reality, acceptance never tranquilises the anguish in those circumstances.

Slaughtneil won nine-in-a-row in Derry; Ballygunner wrapped up eight-in-a-row in Waterford; Ballyhale Shamrocks and St Thomas’ both completed four-in-a-row in Kilkenny in Galway.