Munster SFC preview: Kingdom to rule again
May 27, 2016
At the 2016 Munster SFC launch at the Rock of Cashel are, l/r: Cork's Mark Collins, Waterford's Tadhg O'Hullachain, Limerick's Ian Ryan, Kerry's Mark Griffin and Clare's Joe Hayes
For all the progress Tipperary and Clare, to a lesser extent, have made recently, the Munster football championship continues to be a two-horse race between Kerry and Cork.
Clare put on a brilliant show against Kildare in last month's Allianz League Division 3 final, but will enter the Munster championship as 100/1 outsiders. They should have enough momentum behind them to see off neighbours Limerick - who were relegated to Division 4 in the spring - in the first round, but a single-figure defeat is the best they can realistically hope for against Kerry in the semi-final at Fitzgerald Stadium.
On the other side of the draw, Tipperary will be expected to beat Waterford and set up a semi-final meeting with Cork. This game could be closer than many expect, but the loss of Colin O'Riordan to Aussie Rules is a huge setback to Tipp's hopes of breaking the long-standing duopoly down south.
The Munster final is fixed for Sunday, July 3 and it's impossible to see anyone but Kerry and Cork being involved. The Kingdom received a lot of criticism following their second half collapse against Dublin in the Allianz League final and the subsequent departure of Tommy Walsh from the squad in frustration at his lack of game-time has turned up the heat further on manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice.
Cork are still smarting after their relegation from Division 1 of the league. They blew hot and cold during the campaign and new manager Peadar Healy will need to find consistency if they're to be a force to be reckoned with.
The Rebels missed the boat last year, and Kerry's stronger squad and determination to make amends for the league final should keep them in the box seat for another year.
Predictions
Champions: Kerry; Runners-up: Cork.
Odds
Kerry 2/5; Cork 2/1; Tipperary 28/1; Clare 100/1; Limerick 500/1.
Fixtures
May 29 - Quarter-finals
Waterford v Tipperary, Fraher Field, Dungarvan
Limerick v Clare, Gaelic Grounds
June 12 - semi-finals
Cork v Tipperary/Waterford, Semple Stadium or Fraher Field
Kerry v Limerick/Clare, Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney
July 3 - final
