Dónal Óg's Hurling Nation: A storm's brewing in Thurles

Good morning fellow citizens of hurling nation - we're back to business this weekend in the microwave hurling championship, with potentially some massive knockout fixtures in the mix.

On Saturday evening Dublin visit Kilkenny in the sharp end of the Leinster championship. Dublin come into the game after a draw with Antrim and a win over Wexford, but in reality Kilkenny won't have to be vintage Kilkenny to get through this one.

On Sunday, Galway welcome Antrim while Wexford host Westmeah. Not much hospitality can be expected from the home side in either of these.

We have two big games in Munster, the province where there are no small games. At the start of the championship - way, way, way back a few weeks ago - we wouldn't have bet the house on Clare versus Cork this weekend being a top-of-the-table game.

The last time Clare hurled in Ennis they shipped five goals in a beating to Tipp. Since then they've seen off Limerick and Waterford. When they come back home on Sunday for their fourth big Munster Championship game since 23 April, they'll find the mood music has changed.

Meanwhile Cork came into the championship having tried out lots of versions of themselves during the league.

The cliffhanger draw with Tipperary was the game that a lesser group would have lost and you had to admire Cork's character in snatching that draw.

Playing Clare in Ennis will be a test of this character as much as it will be a test of hurling skills. The two teams drew there during the league and another draw would be no surprise - with home advantage to tip the scales if there is a victor.

When the dust settles in Ennis, draw your breath for Thurles.

We can smell the coming storm in the air this morning. Limerick travel to Semple Stadium fighting for