Kilkenny will look to qualify for a place in the League Final as they Clare on Sunday in the Semi-Final in Semple Stadium, Thurles.
The most concerning aspect ahead of Sunday’s game is the injury situation.
Michael and Colin Fennelly as well as Robert Lennon and Paul Murphy went off in their landslide victory over Offaly.
Murphy is definitely out with a shoulder injury but the other trio are more than likely to be available for selection.
James Maher who has impressed throughout the league is out with a knee injury but other newcomers like Kevin Kelly, Diarmuid Cody and Richie Reid who have impressed in the competition have put themselves in line for a place in the starting 15.
TJ Reid has been the star player in the League scoring 1-54 of Kilkenny’s overall combined total and last years hurler of the year has probably confirmed himself as the best in the land.
Clare have been highly impeccable in 2016 and having Donal Og Cusack on board has definitely appeared to work wonders.
They won the pre-Season Munster League competition and having got relegated against Kilkenny in last years relegation decider losing out by a point, Clare defeated Limerick in the final round of group games in Division 1B to gain promotion back to Division 1A.
The hard fought victory over Tipperary in the quarter-final where they won by a solitary point proves that Clare mean business, and Sunday will be another step on the ladder.
2013 Hurler of the year Tony Kelly and All-Ireland Final hat-trick hero Shane O’Donnell both missed the Tipp game and their availability is uncertain for Sunday.
Kilkenny should win with something to spare on Sunday but Clare will obviously pose a greater threat than Offaly.
The curtain raiser between Waterford and Limerick will throw-in at 2pm, and Waterford going well again this year, but their narrow one-point victory over Wexford suggests they have not quite reached the levels of 2015 which saw them win the League.
However, the continuing absence of Padraic Mahony would understandably explain why, and Limerick will be a severe test of their credentials on Sunday.
Limerick recorded victory away to Dublin in Parnell Park and with the Na Piarsaigh contingent back, they have their full compliment to choose from.
The battling determination that grind out a victory against Dublin displayed what they are capable of and with their confidence up, they will fancy their chances of victory on Sunday.
KCLR will have live commentary of the game with thanks to Country Style Foods, Grannagh, Kilmacow, Kilkenny. “As local as it gets”.
