Tribes to reign, but Cats will push them

Kilkenny’s physicality may undo Munster rivals but reigning champions Galway hold the aces

BARRING replays, there are only five games left in this year’s hurling championship with the ‘Super Six’ set to decide Liam MacCarthy’s destination for the next 12 months. The wheat has been separated from the chaff with reigning champions Galway still in pole position to complete back-to-back All-Ireland titles after retaining their Leinster crown at the second attempt against Kilkenny.

But what might be giving Micheál Donoghue cause for concern as they await their opposition in the last four?

Who is likely to mount the biggest assault on the current kingpins? Will the Cats face the Tribesmen for the fourth time this year on the third Sunday in August?

Can Cork banish their recent Croke Park misery to make an AllIreland assault? Will a Limerick side brimming with underage success come of age?

Is the competitiveness of the Munster SHC masking a lack of quality? Will Davy Fitzgerald’s native Clare break Wexford hearts?

All will be revealed as the six contenders are assessed.

1 GALWAY

What makes them tick: It sounds simplistic, but Galway have outworked almost every team in the past 18 months – the drawn Leinster final aside – and when they bring that attitude, they are almost unbeatable. A maniacal work-rate from their covering midfielders and half-forwards creates endless space and opportunities for their attack.

Flaws: A rude awakening against Kilkenny blew away any complacency and Donoghue will use that as a stick to beat them with and they know that if they maintain their own high standards, they will emulate the Galway side of 1987/’88. Their biggest weakness could be themselves and believing the hype.

Key man: David Burke. Their inspirational captain controls the tempo from the middle of the park. Everyone benefits when he is on his game as he assists greatly with defensive duties while also delivering quick ball up front.

Forecast: Back-to-back All-Ireland titles beckon.

2 KILKENNY

What makes them tick: Against all odds, the Cats have risen from the dead this season, displaying an unbreakable spirit that all teams strive for. The only side to make Galway look fallible, they are backboned by strong leaders down the spine of their side and have made themselves very hard to beat despite obvious limitations in attack.

Flaws: A lack of scoring power up front is hurting their charge while there is an over-reliance on TJ Reid. If the Ballyhale Shamrocks sharpshooter is held

– as he was against Dublin and in Salthill against Galway – they look vulnerable, while a seven-day turnaround against Limerick is very challenging. Impact of Richie Hogan and Colin Fennelly crucial to their cause.

Key man: TJ Reid. Kilkenny’s rock. His ability to lead from the front and win dirty ball is second to none. Accuracy from play and placed balls is top drawer and Brian Cody needs him always at his best.

Forecast: All-Ireland finalists after overcoming Limerick and Cork.

3 CORK

What makes them tick: Being able to dictate affairs and create space for Patrick Horgan and Seamus Harnedy to operate in. Blessed with an abundance of ball players all over the pitch, the Rebels are difficult to stop when they build up a head of steam.

Flaws: Even in their successful five-match Munster SHC campaign, they conceded an average of 25.5 points and there are still serious question marks over Damien Cahalane at full-back while the No 6 shirt has been regularly rotated. That’s hardly the solidity of potential All-Ireland champions. Playing with brain rather than brawn, they may be physically bullied if they face the Cats.

Key man: Seamus Harnedy. The Cork skipper has the style, but more importantly he has the substance. Invariably, it is the St Ita’s attacker who lifts them out of a hole when the need is greatest. Combine that with his 4.6 point average per game in this year’s provincial campaign and he is Cork’s heartbeat.

Forecast: Likely to be skinned by a physically-superior Kilkenny side in the semi-finals.

4 LIMERICK

What makes them tick: Bursting with All-Ireland U-21 winners from 2015 and ‘17, Limerick may well