Dónal Óg Cusack: Limerick mercy will be in short supply

The power of hurling. Scientists tell us that one single handshake last weekend was cold enough to reverse global warming.

As such the GAA are being cautious this week and providing just one big game until everything settles down. Limerick play Tipperary and it's a rivalry not for the faint-hearted.

Tipperary seem to have gone backward this year or as we pundits call it, 'they’re in transition’.

They’ve lost players to retirement and injury. Jason Forde and John McGrath are now added to the sick bay along with Seamus Callanan and John O’Dwyer – too many good men down for any team to carry.

Limerick also have a number of injuries, but reports on that front are more positive.

Cian Lynch’s hamstring continues to rule him out but Kyle Hayes returns to the squad and with news of Seamus Flanagan making good progress and possibly making an appearance this Sunday, there are no signs of Limerick weakening.

Limerick will be further buoyed by the success of their Under-20s this week.

Confidence is sky-high in the county and with a win on Sunday they could have the luxury of managing their last game out in any way they wish, knowing they’re still qualified.

It’s hard to believe that Tipperary could be out of championship hurling by the first week of May. That’s not good on so many fronts, from Tipperary hurling to the promotion of the game, but that’s a conversation for another day.

This Sunday Tipp’ find themselves in the Last Chance Saloon without much chance of getting served.

You’d expect the likes of Cathal Barrett, Noel McGrath and Ronan Maher to put up a fierce resistance but the Treaty memory is long enough to know that when they have this opportunity against Tipperary, mercy is not on the menu.

It will be Limerick to keeping marching