New role sees Kissane change mind on seeding

Former Cork defender Paudie Kissane admitted his new role in the Clare management team has changed his opinion about seeding in the Munster championship.

The All-Ireland medallist played for Cork as recently as last summer and had he not retired would have welcomed this year’s seeding arrangement. His native Cork and Kerry have been put straight through to the provincial semi-finals, on opposite sides of the draw, all but ensuring a traditional derby day final.

The move angered weaker Munster counties, including Clare, didn’t take part in January’s McGrath Cup or the inter-provincial competition as a mark of protest. Clare play Waterford in their championship opener on the second weekend of June while Tipperary meet Limerick in late May. The winners play Kerry and Cork, respectively in the semi-finals.