The final round of round robin hurling action will take place this weekend. Three counties have already been eliminated from progressing to the knockout phase of the Championship. The situation is pretty clear in both provinces, with Leinster effectively hosting two semifinals, though it gets complicated if there are draws.
Let's look at the permutations in both provinces.
Munster
Limerick (4 points)
Remaining game: Waterford (H)
The situation is straightforward: win or draw, and they will once again be in a Munster final. However, if they lose, they will be eliminated in the head-to-head with Cork as they will both be tied on four points, should Clare win.
Cork (4 points)
Finished 2 wins and 2 losses
It’s in the lap of the gods now for Cork as they sit anxiously at home next weekend with their faith, not in their own hands. They will hope Limerick will do them a favour and beat Waterford. Two draws on Sunday will see them eliminated.
Clare (4 points)
Remaining Game: Tipperary (A)
Brian Lohan’s side are effectively through. They play an already eliminated Tipp next weekend, and they would have head-to-head on Cork if they somehow managed to lose in Thurles. The nightmare scenario for the Banner is a defeat in Thurles and a draw in Limerick v Waterford. The Déise would go through on superior score difference.
Waterford (3 points)
Remaining Game: Limerick (A)
Waterford needs a win or draw, simple as. A win will see them book a Munster final spot, while a draw will see them through in third place over Cork via head-to-head.
Tipperary (1 point)
Remaining Game: Clare (H)
This is just a game of pride for Tipp, as they have already been eliminated. Will we see another hammering or a bit of pride in the jersey?
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Leinster
Kilkenny (6 points)
Remaining Game: Wexford (H)
Their positive scoring difference means they have clinched a place in the knockout phase. If Kilkenny win against Wexford, they will again book their place in a Leinster final. A draw should also do the job, as they currently sit on a plus-34 score difference. If they lose, they should have enough.
Wexford (5 points)
Remaining Game Kilkenny (A)
Wexford are in a strong position. If they beat Kilkenny, they will be in the Leinster final, Should they lose, it all comes down to who wins the Dublin and Galway game. A loss to Kilkenny and win for Galway would be curtains. Should Galway and Dublin draw, a draw vs the Cats will be enough.
Dublin (5 points)
Remaining Game: Galway (A)
The Dubs could have secured their place in a Leinster final if they beat Kilkenny. But they now need to travel to Galway and win to book a place in the All-Ireland series. If they draw with Galway, they will need a Kilkenny win to go through at Wexford's expense.
Galway (5 points)
Remaining Game Dublin (H)
Henry Shefflin’s side must beat Dublin and to book a place in the Leinster final. However, the situation gets more dire if they lose to Dublin, as they would be eliminated on head-to-head over Wexford, should Kilkenny win. As mentioned, a draw with Dublin gets them into the knockout phase, and into a Leinster final
Antrim (2 points)
Remaining Game Carlow (H)
Simple: avoid a defeat, and Darren Gleeson’s men will be playing Liam McCarthy hurling once again. Lose and they're in the Joe McDonagh.
Carlow (1 point)
Remaining Game - Antrim (A)
Carlow must claim a famous win in Corrigan Park if they want to avoid a drop back down to the second tier.
