Galway bid to prevent Munster monopoly

ON the weekend when Munster rugby resumes its annual attempt to conquer Europe, only one team stands between Munster hurling and dominance of the current National Hurling League.

Of the six Division 1 teams still standing after series one, five are from Munster, proof positive that despite the recent rise in rugby’s popularity, on and off the park, hurling retains its pre-eminent status within the southern province.

Cork and Tipperary, the two traditional big guns, are still there, as are Clare, Limerick and Waterford. Holding the line for the rest of hurling? Galway, top of the class from their section in the earlier series.