Dónal Óg Cusack's hurling predictions

There was a time when big hurling championships almost had the feel of Bank Holidays. We wished we'd more of them and hoped the weather would be fine and they always seemed to pass too quickly.

Now with the now-fangled, overly condensed season, each batch of games is upon us before we've had time to make up our minds about what we've already seen.

MUNSTER SHC

Limerick v Waterford

Limerick started with a bang last Sunday in Cork and they top the billing again in what is possibly a Goliath versus Goliath-in-waiting clash against Waterford at the Gaelic Grounds.

The Déise needed to call for reinforcements against Tipp. But being able to send in the likes of Austin Gleeson, Iarlaith Daly and Jamie Barron was as much a sign of strength as an indication of weakness. Waterford have the muscle but how they cope with the thinking bit is a test.

There are many great battles to look forward to in this one and it's a pity we won't see Kyle Hayes, who was ruled out overnight through injury. However, we have Tadhg de Burca, an exemplary No.6 in the modern game and how he copes with the most sophisticated model of centre forward that we've seen in Cian Lynch will be worth the admission fee alone.

It's hard to answer but when it's raining matches every weekend, people tend to forget what the forecasters got right or wrong. So, we'll be brave - or foolish - again and back Waterford to get a result.

Verdict: Waterford

Tipperary v Clare

Tipperary will be shaking their heads and thinking April is hardly over and we're close to last chance saloon already. After a good showing against Waterford last week, they now face Clare.

What version of Clare they face is important to note. In the league, when Clare were good, they were 'quiet' good. When they were