Cork v Waterford

Like the other Munster first round, the extent of this mismatch can be gauged by the team's respective approaches

Like the other Munster first round, the extent of this mismatch can be gauged by the team's respective approaches. Cork not unreasonably feel able to indulge in a bit of experimentation. Waterford on the other hand see the fixture as such an uninviting prospect that they've maintained the recent practice of keeping their best team for the junior match.

The weakest county in the province for quite a while, Waterford have obviously decided senior football holds no viable future for them. Having won the All-Ireland junior title two years ago, Waterford see more sense in trying to emulate that achievement. Who can blame them?

Ulster SH: Down v New York

Down's turn to travel for this fixture they won comfortably last year. New York feature Munster final veterans Brian Greene from Waterford and Tipp's John Madden plus a Tipperary player of more recent vintage, Michael Kennedy.

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Twelve months ago, New York responded with spirit to the prospect of a hiding and kept the score reasonably respectable - a feat they can emulate this weekend against a Down team short of match practice because of foot-and-mouth restrictions.