LIMERICK MANAGER Richie Bennis believes Clare have improved "80 per cent" from last year ahead of the Munster senior hurling semi-final between the counties on June 22nd.

Limerick defeated Clare in last year's All-Ireland quarter-final but Clare are on a high after last Sunday's stunning nine-point victory over Waterford.

"Clare are shaping up very, very well," said Bennis. "They had better results than us in the league, drawing with Tipperary in Ennis while running Galway very close after having a man sent off.

"It will be a typical Clare v Limerick match and it won't matter who are favourites or underdogs." Bennis declared himself pleased with Brian Geary's return to the Limerick colours in a challenge victory against Dublin in Thurles last Saturday. Bennis said: "Brian is shaping up well and could play some part against Clare . . . and it's also great to see Denis Moloney back."

The Limerick manager is disappointed that both Maurice O'Brien and Brian Begley were forced out of his squad recently.

O'Brien was struggling with an ankle injury while Begley has ongoing knee problems.

Bennis said: "Losing Begley to us is like the Kerry footballers losing Kieran Donaghy."