Limerick can expect Rebel support against Cats

CORK hurling manager John Meyler (right) would never admit it, but surely he will be hoping that Limerick beat Kilkenny in the All-Ireland quarter-final. If Kilkenny win, they will play Cork in the semi-final, where a repeat of a provincial final is not allowed.

If Limerick win, they will play Galway, irrespective of the Clare-Wexford result as Clare have already played Cork in the Munster final while Galway have played Wexford. Somewhat surprisingly, given that they were only a point behind Galway at the three-quarter stage last Sunday, Kilkenny have drifted out to 8/1 fifth favourites for the All-Ireland.

Presumably, that’s due to doubts over whether the exertions of two fierce battles with Galway will leave them leg-weary on Sunday. Don’t bank on it.

And if they win, they will have two weeks to prepare for Cork, driven on by real desire for another shot at the men from the West on the biggest day of all.