IF there's one distinguishing feature about the meeting of Cork and Waterford hurlers in the Guinness Munster championship in Thurles tomorrow (4pm) it's to be seen in their respective paths to the final.

the first time in almost 40 years, there won’t be a Patrickswell player starting with Limerick’s hurlers in Sunday’s Guinness Munster championship semi-final against Cork.

ANYBODY who has been closely watching Clare hurling evolve in the post-Loughnane era would have understood if Cyril Lyons had gone on the attack after his side’s impressive win over Tipperary in the opening round of the Guinness Munster championship.

All-Ireland champions Tipperary fought like lions to stave off the challenge of an extemely hungry Clare side in the Guinness Munster Championship first round tie at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

Tipperary hurling manager Nicky English has cited intelligence, mixed with fire and hunger as being the ingredients to create the recipe for success in Sunday's Guinness Munster Championship semi-final against Clare in Cork.