Banner ready for Déise

It’s a measure of the growing health of hurling across the province that the second Munster U21 hurling semi-final (Cusack Park, Ennis, throw-in 7.30pm) sees the Clare hosts — Munster minor champions 2010 and 2011 and beaten finalists of 2012 — face Waterford, Munster minor champions of 2009.

And the team Clare beat to win their two minor titles? Waterford.

The team beaten by Clare to win their U21 title in 2009? Waterford. On and on it goes — one of either Clare, Waterford and Limerick have contested the last five U21 finals, Limerick the reigning champions. The old Tipperary/Cork duopoly is still strong but these days they’re having to face down some very serious opposition from the other three.