Coaches give their championship views

Jimmy Barry Murphy (Cork manager)

"I believe Clare are still very much the team to beat, especially if they make it out of Munster. I think they were the best side last year but were unlucky with the outcome of their last game against Offaly, who of course went on to win the All-Ireland. "After that I'd very much expect Kilkenny will have a good run again. They have a good draw into the Leinster final which sets them up well for a quarter-final place and after that they'll be hard to stop."

Prediction: Clare.

(In interviews with Ian O'Riordan)

Kevin Fennelly (former Kilkenny manager)

"I think Kilkenny and Clare are two of those teams that are a little bit stronger than the rest, but a lot of that will depend on the mood in the camp and how they play on the day.

"Munster is very competitive as a whole but probably not much more than Leinster, especially if you look at last year when two Leinster teams ended up in the final. There will be very little difference between Wexford and Offaly and I don't think that Laois will be any pushover for Kilkenny either. "Tipperary have it all to play for against Clare, but I'd also keep on eye on Cork and Waterford who can be very dangerous as well. Waterford are a team that can surprise anyone and will have learned that little bit more from last year. Kilkenny as well have the experience of last year which I think will stand to them."

Prediction: Clare or Kilkenny.

Sean McGuinness (former Antrim and Down manager)

"If you look at Munster alone, there are four or five teams that could win it. Tipperary are obviously on a high after a very good league run, but I wonder if Clare are running on all guns yet. You don't know as well if either of them will go to the wall.

"Cork are still a young side but play a lovely brand of hurling and might have enough to come through. Then you have Galway going well also and I feel Mattie might have something to prove.

"Offaly haven't showed much yet but it was the same this time last year while Kilkenny will always be well balanced and won't be easy to put out."

Prediction: Clare.

Michael O'Grady (Dublin manager)

"Clare are still the strongest team around but the only question I would have is whether they are fresh enough for another championship. So much of that as well will depend on how they get on in Munster.

"Kilkenny have the recent record and the experience as well and along with Offaly are certainly in there with a chance. I also think Wexford have a plenty of experience and a lot of that team will be looking to give it one more shot."

Prediction: Clare or Kilkenny.

Tom Ryan (former Limerick manager)

"The Munster situation is like a lottery now and it would take a brave man to pinpoint who will come out of there. Clare will always be tough, but I think Waterford and Limerick could catch out a few people. Cork have been quite enough as well, but you can't totally count them out. As for Tipperary, I think a lot will depend on how well they reorganise after the league. "Wexford have been a little disappointing in their progression in the league and I fancy Kilkenny to come out of Leinster, as they seem to have matured even more. "Galway are also back on track and with the no-nonsense approach of Mattie Murphy I think they will be a major threat."

Prediction: Galway.