Munster SH: first round

Cork v Limerick

Pairc Ui Chaoimh, 3.30

Eamon Cregan's Limerick side have given assurances that they have banished last year's troublesome 2-17 to 1-11 loss in the corresponding fixture, although a bright start to the league dissipated into stern lessons from Galway and Clare. It would be some feat if Cregan and his still-moulding charges could steel themselves sufficiently to oust Cork.

To flourish, the visitors will have to stop Timmy McCarthy and Jerry O'Connor. Joe Deane will get his quota from dead balls alone but Brian Geary's marking job on Seanie McGrath could have a bearing. Cork are rock solid at the back and Brian Begley, Barry Foley and Johnny Butler are just going to have to convert every chance.

Right now, Cork are not the direct force they were two years ago. Will Alan Browne prove as effective a centre-half forward fulcrum as Fergal McCormack has been? Mark Landers and Derek Barrett will probably turn ample ball at midfield and if Cork use it, they could be in business. Keith Duggan