The Munster senior hurling championship is set to begin with a bang on May 22 when traditional giants Tipperary and Cork face off in the quarter-final at Semple Stadium. This last happened in 2010 when Tipp suffered a 10-point defeat before bouncing back to win the All-Ireland.

The winners will face Limerick, with Clare and Waterford set to meet for a third time in a little over a month in the other semi-final on June 5. All five teams have genuine hopes of winning the championship, but will also be aware that no Munster SHC-winning team since Cork in 2005 has followed up with All-Ireland success. However, the fact remains that winning Munster remains the most direct route to lifting the Liam MacCarthy Cup.

Tipp, in Thurles, will fancy their chances of seeing off a Cork team that was extremely fortunate to retain its Allianz League Division 1A status at Galway's expense. With Noel McGrath back to full health and Michael Breen and John McGrath two of the brightest prospects in the game, the holders would also be a good bet to beat Limerick, who remain a Division 1B side and were a huge disappointment against Waterford in the Allianz League semi-final.

The other semi-final between Clare and Waterford on June 5 could go either way. After meeting twice in the Allianz League final, they're certainly well familiar with each other at this stage. Donal Og Cusack's arrival has given the Banner a new lease of life this season and they go into the championship unbeaten on the back of winning both the Division 1 and 1B titles.

Such is the Banner's momentum that they are being spoken of as the biggest threat to Kilkenny's quest for a three-in-a-row of All-Irelands. If they can repeat their league final victory over Waterford, they will hold no fear whatsoever of Tipp who have a propensity for losing close games. On their day, Tipp can rack up a huge score and are capable of beating anyone, but Clare have regained the swagger of 2013 and are taken to end their 17-year wait for provincial honours.  
 

Predictions

Champions: Clare; Runners-up: Tipperary.
 

Odds (supplied by Paddy Power)

Tipperary 2/1; Clare 11/4; Waterford 3/1; Limerick 9/2; Cork 8/1.
 

Fixtures

May 22: Quarter-final: Tipperary v Cork, Semple Stadium

June 5: Semi-final: Clare v Waterford, Semple Stadium

June 19: Semi-final: Tipperary/Cork v Limerick, Semple Stadium or Gaelic Grounds.

July 10: Final

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