At the end of this week there are going to be two teams who will feel extremely hard done by. And we're not talking about Offaly's relegation from the Leinster SHC. Or Tipperary's failure to emerge from the Munster SHC. We're talking about teams fighting for supremacy in the Electric Ireland Munster Minor Hurling Championship, otherwise known as the most competitive series in the entire country at the moment.
With one round of fixtures still to play, each county is still in with a shout of not just the next round, but a place in the final too. Before you even mention the superb action on display, that fact alone is testament to the success of the new round robin structure and shows the potential for great things at both the minor and senior levels moving forward. The new system is working.
Getting to the hurling itself, two incredible games gave way to some intriguing results. Tipperary face an anxious wait following their win over Clare, which keeps them in contention for the Munster final. Having fulfilled all of their fixtures, their destiny is now out of their hands; the Premier need Cork to beat Waterford by less than 14 points and for Limerick to beat or draw with Clare.
Tipp sealed their much-needed win with an injury-time goal, but Waterford showed they are the kings of the late show, raising the green flag twice during stoppages for the second week running. The moral of the story is: never, ever count this Waterford team out. They will fight tooth and nail to the very end in every game.
Limerick were this week's victim but sitting in third position in the table they still have a great chance of making a Munster final, provided they win their last game away to Clare this weekend.
Trying to predict how this group will end is a fool's errand. Just sit back and enjoy watching it play out.
In such a competitive week, it will no doubt be difficult to separate the three nominees for this week's Electric Ireland Player of the Week:
James Devaney - Tipperary
Sean Hayes may be the man winning the headlines with his injury-time goal at the weekend, securing a massive win for the Premier County, but there's one boy who deserves immense credit for keeping his side in the tie.
James Devaney is an expert marksman, consistently knocking over vital points from frees and 65's; on this occasion he managed to do it seven times.
In a game where the margin of victory was five points, the value of Devaney's contribution becomes quite clear. Without him this squad could have been looking at an early exit mirroring that of the senior hurlers.
Ending on a Positive Note, what a comeback from @TipperaryGAA Minors. 14 men to win by 5. Massive chance of qualification for a Munster Final. #tipperary #MunsterMHC
— Michael Kennedy (@MichaelKenn94) June 10, 2018
The Borris-Ileigh forward is the sixth-highest scorer in the championship thus far, scoring 1-21 in the round robin at an average of six points per game.
Caolán MacCraith - Waterford
The star performer in a terrific win for the Déise, Caolán MacCraith's highlight had to be his first point of a great day; a lovely sideline cut that gave his county a 0-3 to 0-2 lead early on.
The An Rinn forward quickly made it a brace and didn't stop there, scoring another three from play to end the afternoon with five points to his name.
While Waterford love to do things as dramatically as possible, there is nothing fussy about MacCraith's game. He's a classy player with an eye for the posts.
Féach ar seo! Dochreidte!
Caolán MacCraith was in top form for @WaterfordGAA minors against @LimerickCLG in the @MunsterGAA @ElectricIreland minor championship.
Highlights @ 20.00 ar @SportTG4 @CLGnaRinne pic.twitter.com/Y9AFaMazCd— GAA 2018 (@GAA_2018_TG4) June 11, 2018
Limerick are no slouches in this year's championship and were moments away from winning, but MacCraith reeled them back in at crucial junctures throughout the match. A key player they will need for the final game against Cork.
Bob Purcell - Limerick
No one will be more gutted than Bob Purcell after Sunday's defeat at the death to the Deise.
The Doon full-forward put in a massive effort at the weekend, putting the visitor's defence under constant pressure while scoring 0-3 overall.
On each occasion Purcell's points from play made an important contribution, if not equalling the score up, then making sure Waterford didn't get too far ahead as the Treaty boys made a late push for victory.
Another step full panel/backroom Limk hurlers today who've seriously worked so hard..
Huge voluntary effort at Gaelic Grounds where 35000 visitors came to city over weekend
Minors & footballers wore jersey with pride
And we think Mayo support love Limerick ?
Now for Ennis.. ! pic.twitter.com/FSySxQO3BX— Paul Foley (@pfoley194) June 10, 2018
It wasn't enough on the day, but Purcell will be an imperious weapon in their final battle in Ennis Park this Sunday.
Which county will end up in the Munster Minor Hurling Championship final this summer?
Have your say and cast your vote for the player of the week nominees on Electric Ireland's Facebook page by clicking here. All nominated players will be in with a chance of making overall team/player of the year at the 2018 Electric Ireland GAA Minor Star Awards.
