September Road

Munster hurling stuck hopelessly in the Red... Stopping Cork winning the three-in-a-row?

That's just the start of it.

Believe it or not, Cork are this week bidding to win a double-quadruple.

While Munster hurling supporters (among many others) have been known to criticise the Leinster championship for being far too predictable - a one-horse race in all but name - the same championship, by comparison with Munster recently, is virtually a free-for-all.

Dublin and Wexford have both claimed Leinster honours during the past couple of seasons. And in Munster?

If we take the four major grades - senior, intermediate, under-21 and minor - the 2005 honours went to Cork, Cork, Cork and, ermm, Cork. So far this season, three of the four competitions have been completed, Cork winning the minor, intermediate and senior titles.

Tipperary have been the ultimate victims of six of the seven deciders - Cork defeating the Premier County in the 2005 and 2006 senior and intermediate finals, the 2006 minor decider and the 2005 under-21 final - the remaining title having been acquired at Limerick's expense in last year's minor final.

This Wednesday evening, in enemy territory, Cork will attempt to put the finishing touch to the double-quadruple when they take on Tipperary in Semple Stadium in the Munster Under-21 hurling final (live on TG4).

Even in the Rebel County, there is an uneasiness and bemusement about the failure of their neighbours to challenge their dominance in the province across the grades.

Top SHC Scorers 2006

Eoin Kelly (Tipperary)3-38 (47)

James Young (Laois)1-33 (36)

David Curtin (Dublin)0-34 (34)

Andrew Mitchell (Westmeath)0-30 (30)

Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny)1-25 (28)

Niall Gilligan (Clare)2-22 (28)

Quote of the Weekend: "What's wrong with a few of them throwing swipes at each other during training? Sure that is what you want." - Jack O'Connor talking about the rumours of disharmony in the Kerry camp that had circulated prior to Saturday's successful meeting with Ulster champions Armagh.

What a Difference a Day Makes: Sam Maguire Cup

Sam Maguire Cup

(Odds at start of weekend)

Dublin13/8

Armagh3/1

Kerry3/1

Laois9/1

Cork10/1

Mayo11/1

Donegal12/1

Westmeath66/1

(Odds at end of weekend)

Kerry10/11

Dublin7/4

Cork8/1

Laois9/1

Mayo11/1

Westmeath66/1

Liam MacCarthy Cup

(Odds at start of weekend)

Cork5/4

Kilkenny5/4

Waterford11/2

Clare8/1

(Odds at end of weekend)

Cork4/7

Kilkenny6/4

Clare11/1

*Odds from Paddy Power

The only county that can still achieve the double is Cork, of course - with 13/1 that the Rebels will do it.

Next Weekend

Saturday

Nicky Rackard Cup - Final

Derry v Donegal ... Croke Park

All-Ireland SFC - Quarter-final

Dublin v Westmeath ... Croke Park

All-Ireland MHC - Semi-final

Tipperary v Kilkenny ... Croke Park

All-Ireland SFC - Quarter-final

Mayo v Laois ... Croke Park

All-Ireland SHC - Semi-final

Kilkenny v Clare ... Croke Park

While over 80,000 spectators will be in Croke Park next weekend for the Dublin v Westmeath All-Ireland quarter-final, how many will turn up in time for the curtain-raiser - the Nicky Rackard Cup final between Derry and Donegal?

Perhaps a few Dublin fans might make the move for the stadium a little earlier than usual - if only to give themselves time to peruse and enjoy the new fanzine that has hit the streets this summer.

It is called BAN (Blue and Navy), and the next edition will be selling for €3 outside the ground and in pubs on match day. Buy it and get to the ground early. You've no excuse now.

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Kieran Donaghy

After Saturday's mighty display against Armagh by the towering full forward, he can only be considered in Kerry as a. . .

King and Hero. Ya!