Christy O'Connor's talking points: For all of Munster’s competitiveness, domination still exists

In the history of the round robin, certain teams have repeatedly got on top of the other.

Darragh Lohan of Clare celebrates scoring a goal in the 20th minute during the Munster SHC match between Clare and Waterford last year. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

It may be difficult to rationalise now, especially after their two epic championship clashes last year, but it’s only three years since serious concerns had grown around the direction the Cork-Limerick relationship may be headed. Because Limerick had Cork by the throat.

In an 11-month period between 2021-’22, Limerick beat Cork in their three championship matches, along with one league meeting, by an aggregate margin of 41 points. Limerick beat Cork again in the 2023 championship for the fourth successive time. That defeat knocked Pat Ryan’s side out of Munster, but Cork only lost that match by one point. The tide had turned. And Cork proved that it had last year – twice.