Dónal Óg Cusack's hurling semi-final previews

We're running out of fiesta weekends for hurling nations so we’ll have to make the most of this one.

Two All-Ireland hurling semi-finals coming up and only one of the so-called big three involved.

Clare and Kilkenny come to Croke Park tomorrow just when afternoon tea is over; Leinster champions Kilkenny last winning at this stage in 2019 and runners-up in Munster, Clare, bidding to reach their first final since 2013.

This one is tight and previewing it does involve the need to prevaricate while walking a tight rope, but here goes.

Clare have been the stars of the Munster championship without winning the thing. Fact.

Kilkenny lost twice in Leinster. Fact.

Everybody south of the hurling equator knows the Munster championship to be the superior product. Fact.

So Clare will get the nod? Not so sure.

Both teams are managed by former full-backs called Brian. Serious Brians that know what it takes to get the most out of themselves. Two characters who could be stuck in a lift together for a weekend without muttering a word and not think it odd.

But the mark of Cody is more than that. Over the years his team have developed a culture of often brilliance but always tough bloody-minded hurling. Kilkenny are comfortable on days and places like this. They have no real race memory of being troubled by Clare. In the last five championship meetings between the teams, they haven’t lost any.

They weren’t too bothered by Limerick either when they beat them in the 2019 semi-final, and they know where the edge is, they live there.

Clare have to play with a controlled fury and complete self-belief.

Do Clare have the experience to hold enough back for those final few minutes of madness?

Tony Kelly’s sideline cut earlier this summer suggests yes.

They must