Trying to predict the outcome of the Munster SHC should carry a health warning as all five teams that go to post possess genuine chances of getting their hands on the silverware come Sunday, July 12th.

That's why it continues to capture the imagination of the hurling public and all roads lead to Semple Stadium this Sunday for the eagerly-awaited clash of neighbours Limerick and Clare.

TJ Ryan's Limerick left Croke Park with their heads held high following last year's nail-biting All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Kilkenny but moral victories won't satisfy Treaty County supporters in the months ahead.

They will be looking for a repeat of the provincial success of two years ago but a Clare team with a point to prove stand in their way.

Both teams endured frustrating league campaigns but, despite their relegation, the Banner showed glimpses of the form which saw them capture Liam McCarthy glory two years ago towards the latter stages of Division 1A.

Davy Fitzgerald and his players won't lack in the motivation department but their prospects are undermined by the fact that they might have to take to the field this weekend minus the services of no less than five All-Stars from the 2013 All-Ireland success.

Definitely unavailable is Podge Collins, who has chosen football over hurling this year, and Colm Galvin who is currently in Boston. Suspension rules Brendan Bugler out of the equation while Conor Ryan and Conor McGrath are currently struggling with injuries.

Most teams would struggle to cope in those circumstances so Limerick could take capitalise on their neighbours' misfortune and book a semi-final ticket against Tipperary.

Eamon O'Shea and the Premier County let a glorious chance of a long overdue league success slip through their fingers during the spring but they are the bookies' favourites to prevail down south this summer.

Noel McGrath's unavailability is a set-back but if 'Bonnar' Maher, Seamus Callanan and 'Bubbles' O'Dwyer can produce the goods in attack then the Brendan Maher captained outfit has every reason to be optimistic of going one step further than last year in the All-Ireland series.

In the other side of the draw, Waterford and Cork will renew acquaintances in the last four on Sunday, June 7th and the Deise will be hoping for a repeat of their 1-24 to 0-17 league final success over the Rebel County.

The season-ending injury suffered by their leading scorer Pauric Mahony has cast a shadow over Waterford's championship preparations and you can be sure that Cork will be out to set the record straight.

Jimmy Barry-Murphy and his players delivered a 50th senior provincial title 12 months ago and anything less in 2015 would be considered a failure down Leeside way.

But, a dislocated shoulder will confine Lorcan McLoughlin to the sidelines for the foreseeable future and defence could, once again, prove to be the Rebels' Achilles Heel.

PREDICTIONS:

Champions: Tipperary; Runners-up: Cork

ODDS (supplied by Paddy Power)

Tipperary 11/8; Cork 2/1; Waterford 6/1; Limerick 7/1; Clare 15/2

FIXTURES

Quarter-finals

Sunday, May 24th: Clare v Limerick, Semple Stadium; 4pm

Semi-finals

Sunday, June 7th: Waterford v Cork, Semple Stadium, 4pm

Sunday, June 21st: Tipperary v Clare/Limerick, Gaelic Grounds, 4pm

Final

Sunday, July 12th: Semi-final winner v Semi-final winner, tbc, 4pm

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