What's stirring in hurling? Setting the (coffee) table for the weekend 

When you have your coffee tomorrow morning will you be able to talk hurling with your pals? Fear not, Michael Moynihan offers some conversation starters

More than a caffeine boost: Shane O'Donnell gave Clare's Championship a real kickstart against Tipperary last weekend. But can the Banner keep that energy up this weekend? Photo: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

1 “Will Clare be as good this weekend as they were last Sunday? Don’t forget they had the whole of springtime to be building up for Tipp, and on top of all that they got to see what Tipperary tried against Waterford in Walsh Park the week before. Now they’ve only had the one week since Sunday to get ready for Cork, so will they be like Tipp were last weekend, trying to rise it for another game after an almighty effort. What do you think yourself? A latte, please. And a plain scone.” 

2 “What kind of team will Cork go with for this weekend in Thurles? I was in Cork during the week and I never heard people complain so much. More than one person said Cork used half the forward line they put out in the All-Ireland final back in 2013 against Limerick a couple of weeks ago - will they chance a few more of the younger lads this weekend? Sure go on, I’ll chance an Americano.”