Clare and Limerick will face in a Munster final this weekend, with perhaps more than just a provincial crown on the line.
Limerick will be going for a sixth successive victory in this competition, also on the hunt for their fifth All-Ireland title on the spin. They did show some vulnerability in the provincial round robin, although a convincing win in this game would cement their status as the strong favourites to lift the Liam MacCarthy.
The game is probably a more important one for Clare. They have been defeated by their neighbours in each of the last two Munster finals, with their last triumph in this competition coming all the way back in 1998.
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Joe Canning feels Munster final could be make or break for Clare
Brian Lohan's side have been considered the closest challengers to Limerick for the last couple of seasons, although they have struggled to get over the line in the big matches.
Considering some of the ageing players in their panel and their questionable record against John Kiely's men, you can see why Sunday's game is such a massive one for Clare.
Writing in the Irish Times, Joe Canning suggested that this weekend could go a long way towards decided Clare's prospects for the next few seasons.
[Clare] can’t keep on losing Munster finals to Limerick and hope to win the All-Ireland afterwards.
They can’t keep on rattling Limerick, take them to the wire, and not get over the line. A time comes when you can’t take any good from losing. Clare are at that point.
If they win on Sunday I would say their chances of winning the All-Ireland are 50/50. If they lose I would put their chances at 30/70, at best, and maybe even 20/80...
Their chances of winning the All-Ireland will not be better next year.
A win in the Munster final would certainly be a huge boost for Clare. Not only would it provide a first provincial title in 26 years, but it would also show that they are capable of beating Limerick on the biggest stage.
It should make for a fascinating contest.
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