Time for Cork to stand up against unknown Limerick

Over the course of the last week or two there has been much debate in relation to the start time of the championship, the end time, and the bit of a rush in the middle.

But what is factual for now is, while kids wake up on Sunday morning to see has the Easter Bunny landed with the order they put in, hurling fans will wake up with a spring in their step getting ready to head for the Páirc, to Walsh Park, or 'park' themselves on the couch for the day to watch the games, or head to the boozer with the excitement of what's in store.

It's Easter Sunday for the kids, and Christmas Day for hurling fans. The buzz and excitement of the crowds, the roar in the stadium, and the craic in the pubs... it's all back.

Regardless of the date, things remain unchanged for the most important people - the players. They will wake up realising it is championship morning, real championship. What they grew up watching, and what they were used to playing in.

But the routine won't change. The only exception may be the Garda escorts into stadiums, which wouldn’t have been there for the last two years. There is no better feeling then waking up, showering, sticking on the gear, having the breakfast, high-fiving the family on the way out the door. It's what it's all about.

When I think back to it. What a buzz. A privilege and an honour.

For the Tipp boys, they will come to Waterford and with one agenda, silencing the doubters. For Waterford, they will be focusing on ensuring they protect their home patch, and make it a fortress, while also wanting to ensure consistency and bring the league form into championship.

For the Limerick boys, they will want to show that they are as hungry as ever and somewhat close to being back to the form that they were in last