Preview: Weekend’s Munster Club Hurling Action

AIB Munster Club SHC semi-finals

Na Piarsaigh (Limerick) v Clonoulty-Rossmore (Tipperary), Gaelic Grounds, 1pm

Since emerging as Limerick champions in 2011 Na Piarsaigh have collected four Munster title.

That excellent record in the province proves Na Piarsaigh’s potential and pedigree.

The All Ireland Final replay defeat against Cuala hurt Na Piarsaigh, but they retained the Limerick title for the first time ever.

That was an important step because Doon were gritty opponents in the decider, but Shane Dowling’s scores guided Na Piarsaigh to glory.

Timmy Hammersley is a prolific finisher for Clonoulty-Rossmore, who finished strongly to beat Nenagh Eire Og in Tipperary.

Buoyed up by that victory Clonoulty-Rossmore will head for the Gaelic Grounds heartened and hopeful about causing an upset.

Ballygunner (Waterford) v Ballyea (Clare), Walsh Park, 1.30pm

Considering their recent supremacy in Waterford, Ballygunner have struggled to translate that form into Munster.

Provincial final losses in 2015 and 2017 were a case of so near, but yet so far for an accomplished Ballygunner outfit, sprinkled with inter-county players.

Ballyea reached the All Ireland Club Final in 2017 and Tony Kelly starred in their journey through Clare.

It was important for Ballyea to show their ability in a hotly contested County Championship and they will relish this opportunity against Ballygunner.