DUBS WIN LOOKS TOO BIG OF A STRETCH

IT WOULD have been hard to envisage Limerick, and reigning kingpins Clare, not being around for All-Ireland hurling semifinal weekend, but that's the reality.

- BY JOHN O'DOWD

While it was always going to be tricky for the Banner to live up to 2024, especially with star men Tony Kelly and Shane O'Donnell never fully fit, the Shannonsiders' exit is a different story.

Who would have believed that a penalty shootout defeat to Cork, in a Munster final epic, would have been followed by a two-point loss to an inspired Dublin in the quarters?

Niall Ó Ceallacháin has made the Metropolitans the feelgood tale of the small-ball game this summer, but continuing the journey this evening looks a difficult prospect.

Not alone is key centre-back Chris Crummey suspended, it also means that Conor Burke, on paper anyway, has been switched back from midfield to fill the gap, which will hinder his attacking edge.

Burke got five points from play against Limerick, with the likes of Sean Currie, Ronan Hayes, Cian O'Sullivan and Brian Hayes rattling John Kiely’s troops on the scoreboard.

If there are genuine doubts over Dublin producing a similar herculean display as last time out, then there is intrigue over how opponents Cork handle the All-Ireland favourites’ tag.

Watching Limerick’s demise would have pleased the Rebels, but the pressure now intensifies to take full advantage and end their 20-year Liam MacCarthy drought.

The loss of Seamus Harnedy through injury is a blow, but offset by the return of Declan Dalton.