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On Saturday night in Thurles a thrilling touch of the Irish sporting summer will be available as the All Ireland hurling championship is now in the long desired do-or-die phase. Whoever loses from here on in will be a mere afterthought in the tale of 2008 so there shouldn’t be any shortage of intensity or incentive.

Cork 0-23

Since my last column two weeks ago, Tipp have reclaimed the Munster title after a solid performance against Clare in the final. They, like Kilkenny, can sit back and watch the remaining contenders battle it out for the remaining two semi-final spots.

Cork 0-23

I said last week that a shock could be on the cards in Semple Stadium last Sunday. Okay it didn't pan out that way in the end, but at various stages of both quarter-finals it sure looked like happening. Cork and Waterford move onto the semi-final stages after cracking encounters with the former out to upset Kilkenny's 3 in a row dream on August 10. Over the last decade these two sides have stopped each other from completing this marvellous feat, it's a bit like the song Lanigan's Ball “one stepped in....", they will once again as in '04 relish the opportunity to repeat the trick and set up an All-Ireland appearance. Cork judging by their prematch get-together, obviously feel the world is against them. It's the first time I've seen everyone step outside the confines of the playing area for the National Anthem. They are well within their rights to do so but you're only bringing notice to yourself. Both the Clare and Wexford players were probably kicking themselves last Monday morning for letting a good chance slip by. You would have to acknowledge Cork's persistence to stick at it when all looked lost at half time. They once again proved that they have the bottle and they know how to both wear down a side and finish off a job - this is a trait that both Clare and Wexford lack.

The much anticipated hurling championship swings into action this weekend and here's hoping it will be the start of a brilliant summer's action. Three games are down for decision - Waterford Vs Offaly, Laois Vs Galway in Leinster and the old enemies Tipperary Vs Cork in Munster.

The past week proved that Kilkenny's stranglehold on Leinster hurling is as strong as ever.