FOR the third time this year, Cork and Limerick have a competitive clash - but it’s the first in the Rebels’ back yard.

This latest instalment of the rivalry takes place this Sunday (2pm) in Páirc Ui Chaoimh with more than just bragging rights on the line.

Having beaten Cork twice in the league, 3-19 to 0-20 and 1-27 to 1-21, Limerick will be going into this one as favourites, despite being the away team.

Cork’s recent win over Tipperary was impressive but this will be a bigger challenge given the Treaty’s current form.

They did lose to Waterford in the opening game of the league but since then, Limerick have won their next six games and have built a strong starting line-up.

With the experienced campaigners in Nickie Quaid, Aaron Gillane, Gearoid Hegarty and Will O’Donoghue setting their usual high standards, their younger brigade in Adam English, Shane O’Brien, Cathal O’Neill and Aidan O’Connor have come to the fore.

With O’Connor being top scorer in Division 1A with 1-63, Cork have been warned of his quality, particularly on placed balls.

The Rebels gave away 16 scorable frees in their league final defeat to Limerick, giving O’Connor plenty of opportunities to add to the scoreboard.

Cork conceded 15 scorable frees against Tipperary too, suggesting that the problem is still lingering. If Ben O’Connor’s team are to be successful, discipline is paramount.

One player Cork didn’t have in their league final though was prospect Barry Walsh.

The Killeagh man had U20 commitments the last time the sides met but, after a brilliant display against Tipp, is firmly in Ben O’Connor’s starting plans.

The way Walsh, Darragh Fitzgibbon and Shane Barrett linked up in the half-forward line was a promising feature too last weekend. Keep that up and Cork have serious dangers in their attack.

Cork haven’t beaten Limerick after normal time since their 2024 All-Ireland semi-final victory. A concern considering the sides have faced five times in league and championship since.

Cork did win the 2025 Munster final by virtue of a penalty shoot-out but that was technically a draw. For the Leesiders to get a foothold in the All-Ireland race, they need a win over their rivals. Just to give them that confidence that they can beat anybody.

A lot of narratives going into this clash but one thing is for certain: this will be a game that is highly anticipated. A full house is expected this Sunday and that will add to what will be a fascinating championship clash.