Waterford have failed to beat Limerick in their last nine championship matches but even if they do end that run on Sunday, it might not be enough to progress out of the Munster SHC

Elsewhere, the Dubs made their case for the defence. 

Down do everything possible – and it still may not be enough while Ger Brennan just has to grin and bear the cost.

The Treaty men couldn’t get Shane O'Brien on the ball close to goal. All afternoon. It was just one sign of how Cork have cracked the code.

Conor Cahalane’s long journey to this point while Roscommon are never more reliant on Murtagh and Smith.

Plus Galway pull another rabbit out of the hat 

Since Tipp last won successive All-Irelands in 1964-’65, they’ve never got to grips with that task of retaining the Liam MacCarthy.

Elsewhere Laois continue to work a magic that has died for Offaly and Munster’s silent rivalries.

Clare, Limerick, Tipperary, and Waterford were infuriated by the proposal which would have seen Cork and Kerry seeded for the 2026 Munster SFC.

Dublin boss Niall Ó Ceallacháin has built his managerial career on that approach of establishing the framework and culture and then getting the best people around him to maximise potential.