The Munster SFC always has the look of a two horse race but could that soon come to an end?

Cork brought a halt to Kerry's bid for a third provincial title in a row when they finished with five points to spare - 0-17 to 0-12 - in last year's semi-final.

Conor Counihan's men subsequently captured the county's 36th provincial crown with a comprehensive 3-16 to 0-13 final win over Clare in the Gaelic Grounds.

The pair are on opposite sides of the draw this year so they can't meet until the decider which is fixed for Sunday, July 7th.

Cork and Limerick get the ball rolling in the Gaelic Grounds on Saturday evening and the winners will advance to a last four outing against Clare.

If Kerry, as expected, negotiate the hurdle of Tipperary on Sunday they will face Waterford in the semi-final. Premier manager Peter Creedon siad this week that his side will beat Kerry sometime soon and given the stellar work going on within that county, he is probably right. 2013 might just be a bit too soon though.

The Kingdom's path to a provincial final looks easier than Cork's, who have struggled in their last three meetings with Limerick. It has taken last minute goals and every bit of luck going as the Rebels have come out the right side of the final result - 2-9 to 0-12 (2008), 2-6 to 0-11 (2009) and in extra time (2010).

Clare under Mick O'Dwyer await in a semi-final and if there is one thing we know about the Waterville maestro - he is a championship manager who is at his best come summer.

The appointment of Eamonn Fitzmaurice as Jack O'Connor's replacement has rejuvenated some of Kerry's elder statesmen.

It is no secret that the former selector was the players' first choice so it will be interesting to see how that is reflected on the field of play.

Is there another All-Ireland left in the likes of Tomas O Se, the Gooch, Declan O'Sullivan and captain Eoin Brosnan?

Youth is very much on Cork's side but the Rebels prospects of a second Sam Maguire Cup success under Counihan have been seriously undermined by Colm O'Neill's cruciate ligament injury.

The loss of the unfortunate All Star forward robs Cork of one of their main attacking weapons.

A lot will depend on the performances of Aidan Walsh at midfield. He ranks as one of the top midfielders in the country and Cork supporters will look to him to lay the foundations around the middle third of the field.

With Michael Shields and Eoin Cadogan in defence, Cork won't concede much but up front is their Achilles Heel.

Kerry have a point to prove and the change of voice in the dressing room may prove to be just what the doctor ordered.

Winners: Kerry

Runners-up: Cork Tweet

Most Read Stories