Cathal Mullaney is joined by Shane McGrath and Rory O’Neill to preview a crucial weekend in hurling, with Leinster taking centre stage. <\/p>\n
\n
Shane makes the case for Offaly breaking out of Leinster, admitting he may have underestimated a side now playing to its strengths.<\/p>\n
With Offaly’s fate in their own hands, the focus turns to how they’ll handle a new favourites tag ahead of their clash with Wexford (3:30)<\/a>.There are growing concerns for both Wexford and Kilkenny, with both counties needing results this weekend.<\/p>\n While Shane believes Wexford are in the more precarious position, he also notes Kilkenny\u2019s dip in standards is becoming more noticeable as the season unfolds (11:30<\/a>).<\/p>\n The panel also debate the championship format, with Shane suggesting counties like Kildare risk being caught in a yo-yo cycle between the Liam MacCarthy and Joe McDonagh cups, and argues for greater flexibility (21:50<\/a>).<\/p>\n Attention then shifts to Munster (30:00<\/a>), where despite failing to register a win, Waterford have remained competitive. Shane questions whether issues lie in squad depth or a lack of trust from management (32:00<\/a>).<\/p>\n Old rivalries are stirring too, as Shane and Rory reflect on the intensity of the Tipp-Clare clashes of the 90s. Shane even notes a telling silence from the Tipp camp, something he sees as a positive sign and also notes that getting a result against Clare will be crucial to securing the rest of the season. (47:00<\/a>)<\/p>\n