The Munster SHC round robin series is now concluded. We now know our finalists and third placed team. Waterford along with Clare are eliminated from the championship. Hawkeye Sidekick reflects on a weekend which never caught fire.
Cork
Credit where it is due here. This was a winner take all contest in Pairc Ui Chaoimh between Cork and Waterford. After a sixteen point loss to Limerick a week prior, Cork were entering this fixture with questions to answer.
Cork’s platform for victory was setup in a workmanlike opening half against a strong breeze. Cork leading by a point at the break. The middle third taking control of the contest in the second quarter. Scores followed and Waterford had a mountain to climb in the second half.
Brian Hayes scored the opening goal soon after the break. The setup was by Tim O’Mahony and Darragh Fitzgibbon. It demonstrated Cork at their prime. They won turnover ball and attacked with genuine pace. Patrick Horgan’s second goal was well worked also with Hayes setting up Horgan to score decisively.
Cork’s full forward line combined for 2-12 out of 2-25. Waterford unable to solve the Cork attacking threat inside.
There were nervous moments for Cork in the final quarter. Stephen Bennett scored a goal. Bennett also had an effort hit the post which would have tied up the game with ten minutes to go. Cork defensive vulnerabilities not fully solved.
The closing exchanges though impressive. O’Brien with a booming score. Harnedy, Lehane and Barrett scoring crucial scores to close out the contest. Cork into the Munster SHC final, their first appearance in seven years.
I loved Ciaran Joyce’s post-game comments. He was relishing a crack at Limerick in their home patch. Cork will turn up for this final with a point to prove. It will be interesting to see if Pat Ryan looks to recall his injured starters for the provincial showdown.
Waterford
Yet another brief championship appearance for Waterford. It is a disappointing outcome given their opening round win at home to Clare.
The fixtures post this result exposing issues in the tactical and team setup. There were flashes of promise from the Deise in this campaign but there were question marks in several positional lines.
Dessie Hutchinson influence was minimal. Austin Gleeson only featured in the closing stages of last weekend. Stephen Bennett the scoring focal point despite Patrick Fitzgerald’s early scoring promise in Cork.
Jamie Barron and Mark Fitzgerald the standout performers in the Waterford middle third. They were superb throughout. They could do no more for their side but the fundamental issue was at half-back. de Burca’s sweeper role allowing opposition half-forward line units to revel in the open space.
An early championship exit. The Thurles round four loss was the standout moment for Waterford. The damage was done before the Cork fixture. A long off-season beckons and one must ask who from the core leadership group will stick around for 2026.
Clare
A morale boosting championship fixture finale for Clare. A five point win over Limerick. They should play Limerick every week. Clare had only two wins in 2025, both were against their local rivals in Limerick.
Brian Lohan and management wielded late changes to the starting lineup. Foudy was composed in goal. Shane Meehan and Rory Hayes were impressive.
Mark Rodgers impressed with 1-8. He reveled in the half-forward role and exposed Limerick’s half-back line with his movement allowing Ryan Taylor to plunder 2-1. Clare were superior in all aspects of play. They created a twelve point lead in the third quarter. The result was never in doubt.
The reigning All Ireland champions exit the championship. Significant injuries and lack of squad depth in central defensive positions fatal to their championship hopes. Brian Lohan and management team will need to use the Allianz Hurling League 1B next year to strengthen their squad.
The close season will see player turnover which accelerates Clare management need to blood new talent into the lineup. A disappointing 2025 for Clare. This win is scant consolation given 1A relegation and the elimination from Munster SHC before last weekend.
Limerick
Back to life, back to reality. After a resounding round four performance, Limerick were brought back down to earth with this Clare loss.
A plethora of changes from John Kiely and management. Squad players given an opportunity to impress but it was a chastening afternoon in difficult conditions.
Limerick’s cohesion was off throughout. Unforced errors and turnovers the order of the day. John Kiely and management will have an easy discussion on the Munster SHC starting lineup. Limerick’s half-back line in particular exposed by Clare’s movement and run game from deep.
Tom Morrissey top scored with seven points. There was a response in the final quarter but a flat performance. A performance from a side who had future fixtures on their mind. Limerick will regroup and learn from the loss.
Squad players will know quickly who will feature off the bench for the rest of the campaign. Mission accomplished for Limerick management after last weekend.