In my analysis for RTÉ at half-time on Saturday in Croke Park, I was harsh on Clare. It wasn’t personal, just reality. I was wondering was this where it was all going to end for this group under Brian Lohan.

A rebuild would have needed another three years, which Henry Shefflin was never going to get.

Clare again showed the resolve which has been the hallmark of this side.

I can understand the anger and frustration in Wexford this week at the clash with the Féile but they can’t pin it all on Clare either.

It doesn’t matter how much Cork score, will that trade-off work if they get to Croke Park? It’s a risky gamble.

Limerick don’t be long in putting the dreams of others to bed. They just create their own.

It would be easy when the real heat comes on to think that the losers could have a handier route to an All-Ireland final. That can’t entertain Clare's thought process for a second.  

Limerick the fancy now for a sixth Munster title as Tipp and Waterford bite the dust. If it had been ugly Sunday, it was hard to see how Liam Cahill could go back in 2025 with the Premier. But the players did fight for him.

Clare just need to match whatever Tipp come with, and then try and wear it down, before showing that bit of extra panache up front coming down the stretch