While there is no doubt that Limerick remain the best team in the country, there will be an air of intrigue about this weekend's Munster final against Clare.
The Banner entered this year fancied by few to compete with the stronger counties, with most assuming the that the Munster title would be a straight shootout between Limerick and Waterford in 2022.
However, Clare have produced some very impressive performances in this summer's championship. That has been a team effort, although Tony Kelly has been at the forefront of their charge yet again.
The 28-year old has been in remarkable form and will play a massive role if his side are to go one better than their draw against Limerick last month and overturn the reigning champions in Thurles on Sunday afternoon.
How will Limerick deal with Tony Kelly in Munster final?
Speaking to Sky Sports, former Clare star Jamesie O'Connor said he is very interested to see how John Kiely's side deal with the threat of Tony Kelly this weekend. He is of the opinion that putting too much focus on stopping the Ballyea man would be a mistake.
The 2013 Hurler of the Year ran riot when the sides met in Ennis, and he has done damage against Limerick in the past, memorably scoring 0-17 in the 2020 Munster quarter-final.
He poses major problems for Limerick, especially when he moves out the field to take a free, and ends up staying out there, drifting around and finding pockets of space.
He is in the Hurler of the Year conversation once again, given his form so far this year.
Generally speaking, Limerick dictate the terms of engagement and force the opposition to adjust to what they do, rather than vice-versa.
I'm sure John Kiely, Paul Kinnerk and Co will have had long conversations about how to best deal with Kelly.
Do I see them assigning a man-marker to them? I don't, as it would leave gaps elsewhere. Should the Ballyea man be followed out the field, that would leave space for Shane O'Donnell and Peter Duggan.
Instead, Limerick will adopt a collective responsibility to deal with Kelly, and all their players will need to be tuned in.
If Kelly plays well, he's the cornerstone for Clare. He's one of those players, when he's on form, it gives everyone else a boost. They will feel when he's in the mood, they have a chance.
Limerick will certainly enter the game as favourites, although Clare have already shown this year that they won't fear the challenge presented by their neighbours.
It should make for a very entertaining afternoon of hurling.
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