Hats off to Davy Fitzgerald and his management team for the job they’ve done with this Clare team, in the last few weeks especially.

THIS is less a game than it is tribal warfare tomorrow, two clans heading up the M7 to do battle in Croke Park. From what I’m hearing though, if it comes down to just support Limerick will have the advantage, probably the biggest crowd to ever leave the county for an All-Ireland semi-final.

As someone born and reared close to the border — just off the main road to Ennis on the banks of the Shannon in Cratloe — I grew up with first-hand experience of the Clare and Limerick rivalry.

I thought James Owens had a fine game in Croke Park yesterday, an almost flawless performance. But, crucially, he made two mistakes and, unfortunately, they were two big ones.

I’m slightly annoyed with all this talk of a handy All-Ireland there now to be won — absolutely ridiculous.

Cork’s lines all stood up to the task against Kilkenny at Semple Stadium yesterday

Thanks to Bruce Springsteen, the clash of Cork and Kilkenny is the warm-up game.

I hope there’s more noise in Thurles tomorrow than there’s been all week around Clare and Galway.

What a brilliant day for Limerick.

You can talk about development squads, you can talk about managers, you can talk about coaches, you can talk about backroom staff, but no one will ever do as much for hurling as the players.