Enda McEvoy: Are Cork the pinch of chilli to heat up this championship recipe?

An opening weekend blockbuster in Ennis, a potential Waterford ambush for Cork in Walsh Park, And that's just for starters. Take caution, advises the sage Kilkenny cat. There's plenty to consider beyond April 21.

LAUNCH CODES: Preparing for Championship at the Muster GAA launch in Cahir Castle are Cork’s Sean O’Donoghue, Clare’s Shane Meehan, Limerick’s Declan Hannon and Tipperary’s Ronan Maher.

HALF MARATHON, NOT A SPRINT 

To begin with, a measure of context regarding next Sunday’s programme of events. While the first of the two opening fixtures is not merely big but humongous, neither constitutes a season-breaker. Clare, Cork, Limerick and Waterford will all still have six points available for acquisition thereafter.