HOW CAN two teams manage to pack so much into one season?

It’s the fifth time the Munster neighbours have met this season, perhaps the most surprising thing about that being Limerick are still awaiting their first win.

Clare drew first blood after a replay in the Waterford Crystal Cup quarter-final, before winning well in the first round of the National League – and clinching promotion when the sides met again, in the Division 1B final.

And the Banner seem to have the momentum here again, with their brilliantly fought win over Dublin in Ennis last Saturday perhaps leaving them a little tired, yet surely inspired to press onwards.

Limerick have made one change from the facile win over Antrim, with Kilmallock’s Paudie O’Brien replacing his namesake Thomas O’Brien at midfield.

LIMERICK: N Quaid; S Walsh, R McCarthy, T Condon; W McNamara, D OGrady, G OMahony; J Ryan, P OBrien; S Dowling, B Geary, D Breen; G Mulcahy, N Moran, S Tobin.

CLARE: TBC.

Referee: B Gavin (Offaly).