CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHBOX

CLARE v LIMERICK, 6PM Munster SFC q-final: Ennis

LIMERICK were chief challengers to Kerry and Cork’s dominance in Munster for a good decade up until Clare turned them over in 2012 before building steadily under Colm Collins (inset) and bedding down roots in Division Two.

Limerick’s recent promotion means they will join them there in 2023, so could a victory for them here mark a change in the Munster pecking order once again? Perhaps, but Clare still have greater big-game experience, while home advantage can help see them through what should be a tight encounter.

VERDICT: Clare

WATERFORD v TIPP, 7PM Munster SFC q-final: Fraher Field

IT’S difficult to see beyond a Tipp victory here as they escaped from Division

Four where Waterford were the bottom team.

And yet, having lost six of their seven games, Waterford’s only point from the entire campaign was gleaned from a draw with Tipp in Dungarvan on the opening day.

Tipp were struggling at the time and lost to Leitrim the week after but they turned their form around impressively since and will fancy their chances of making another Munster final, thereby avoiding the Tailteann Cup.

VERDICT: Tipperary

SLIGO v ROSCOMMON, 5PM Connacht SFC q-final, Markievicz Pk

SLIGO caught a freshly promoted Roscommon in a Markievicz Park ambush back in 2015 to reach their last Connacht final but Anthony Cunningham’s (inset) Rossies are too seasoned now to fall for that again.

Their endurance is admirable as they hit back from relegation from Division 1 repeatedly and they won’t be cowed by Galway in a final should both progress. Sligo have improved and will be more competitive than last year but the gap is too great.

VERDICT: Roscommon