Tipp to face Cork in Munster SHC Quarter-final
Tipperary, the All-Ireland hurling kingpins of 2010, will open next year's Championship against arch rivals Cork, following tonight's draw for the provincial Championships.
The Munster SHC draw was televised live on RTÉ Two, with Munster Council Chairman Sean Walsh and Deputy CEO Enda McGuane pulling out the teams.
Tipperary and Cork will meet in the sole quarter-final tie, in a repeat of last May's encounter which the Rebels won on a stunning scoreline of 3-15 to 0-14.
But Cork failed to annex the Munster title, losing after extra-time in a replay to Waterford, and Liam Sheedy's Tipp side went on to earn a long-awaited All-Ireland success.
Sheedy's shock decision today to step down as manager leaves the Premier County on the lookout for a new boss, and that early summer date with Cork will certainly focus minds.
The winners will play Clare, while in the other semi-final Limerick, who recently installed Donal O'Grady as their manager, clash with Davy Fitzgerald's Waterford.
2011 Munster SHC Quarter-final draw:
Tipperary v Cork
Semi-final draw:
Limerick v Waterford
Clare v Tipperary/Cork