Eddie Brennan and Michael Duignan are predicting a fascinating tactical battle between Clare and Waterford in next month’s Allianz Hurling League Division 1 final.
The Banner and the Deise will face on in Thurles on May 1, barely a month before they do it all again in a Munster Championship semi-final.
Both were hugely impressive in their semi-finals on Sunday and speaking on RTÉ2’s Allianz League Sunday the pair laid their cards on the table.
“I think the key to it is Clare’s confidence hasn’t been where it needs to be in the last few years,” said former Kilkenny sharpshooter Brennan.
“If you’re going into a Championship, ready to take it on, this is a confidence builder. Clare haven’t an abundance of silverware in the cabinet.
“I think Clare might just edge it – how they cope with Waterford’s shutting down that space they were able to create in Kilkenny today throws up an interesting tactical battle.
Duignan believes it’s great for hurling that these two counties are meeting in a Division 1 final for the first time ever.
He said: “It’s fantastic to throw up a new pairing; two traditional counties but their first time ever to meet in a League final.
“Forget about the Championship, on its own merits it’s very important to win a national title. It’s the second competition and Kilkenny have shown over the years – they go out to win every national league and it does them no harm.
“The fact that Davy Fitzgerald has been with Waterford adds a little dimension to it.”
