Kilkenny’s cupboard is running dangerously bare

There’s no need to go into contortions about Limerick’s prospects.

Granted, they’re scoring goals, albeit they’ll need a better puckout strategy than they had against Tipperary two months ago. They have a nice-looking blend of youth and experience. They have momentum. Their confidence is high.

Against Clare last time out they played a game they were comfortable with, simple and direct and unfussy. And after all the hoo-hah about their alleged lack of fitness earlier in the season, John Allen and his management team are entitled to feel ever so quietly smug.