Anthony Daly: Limerick masters of the squeeze but can Cork punch their way out of tight corner? 

It might only take one big win for Cork to breathe in energising and revitalising fresh air.

Cork's Ger Mellerick of Cork during the 2023 Munster SHC clash with Limerick. Picture: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

I ran into John Kiely at an event in Limerick last weekend. John was typical John; relaxed, chilled out, good craic, appearing like a man who didn’t have a care in the world. Given all he has achieved, it’s easy to see why he wouldn’t. And if he had, or if the pressure of trying to win the five-in-a-row is weighing heavily on Kiely, he is doing a brilliant job of concealing it.

As I was talking to John, I was reminded of Pat Ryan and the comparative situations both found themselves in over the last two weeks. Whereas John is taking all of this in his stride, Pat has to be feeling the strain. Maybe Pat isn’t but his actions after the Waterford game by engaging in such radical reconstruction for the Clare match hinted at a man under pressure.