Cathal Mullaney is joined by Shane McGrath and Rory O'Neill to preview a crucial weekend in hurling, with Leinster taking centre stage.Shane makes the case for Offaly breaking out of Leinster, admitting he may have underestimated a side now playing to its strengths. With their 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).There are growing concerns for both Wexford and Kilkenny, with both counties needing results. While Shane believes Wexford are in the more precarious position, he also notes Kilkenny’s dip in standards is becoming more noticeable as the season unfolds (11:30).The panel also debate the championship format, with Shane suggesting counties like Kildare risk being caught in a yo-yo cycle between the Liam McCarthy and Joe McDonagh cups, and argues for greater flexibility (21:50).Attention then shifts to Munster (30:00), 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).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.The episode wraps up with predictions for all of the weekend’s action (59:00).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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