Tipp v Limerick

The two most successful counties in recent hurling history clash at the Gaelic Grounds this Sunday in a huge Munster SHC semi-final.
I’ve never quite understood the Munster hurling championship format. There are eight counties in Munster, and yet only six of them compete in the Munster SHC. Clare and Kerry hurl in the Joe McDonagh Cup along with five other counties – Antrim, Laois, Westmeath, Carlow, and Kildare. It’s a bit strange really when you consider Clare and Kerry are two of the strongest hurling counties in the country. The only answer I can come up with is that they probably aren’t allowed to compete in the Munster SHC because they aren’t in Munster.
Tipp v Limerick is always a great game and this one will be no different. The funny thing about these two teams is that they are always talking about beating each other up. They are always saying that they are going to give each other a good hiding. But when it comes down to it, they never do. They always have a good, hard game, but there is never any malice in it.
I think that’s because they respect each other. They know that they are both great teams, and they don’t want to hurt each other. They just want to win. And believe me, this weekend is going to be no different. It will be another bruising encounter and yet another brilliant game that will live long in the memory.
Tipp are the holders but Limerick are the All-Ireland champions. Limerick have beaten Tipp in their last two meetings so Tipp will be desperate to get one back on them. But Limerick are in great form. They have won their last five games and they are looking unstoppable. Tipp will have to be at their very best to beat them.