Former Kilkenny hurling star Tommy Walsh is expecting an exciting summer of hurling following a revamp of the Championship this season.

Even though we're only one weekend into the Championship, Tipperary's loss to Limerick and subsequent media ban has already heaped pressure on the Premier County and speaking to Off the Ball's Nathan Murphy after Cork's win over Clare, he said: Yeah, it's going to be massive. There's stuff in this Tipperary team and I've played against them a good few times - they will come out and they'll be at their most dangerous next week.

"Because, after a beating like that - everyone will be doubting them, everyone will be questioning them. I think there's a media ban we hear from Tipperary as well so they're probably going to receive even more criticism. 

Cork's Conor Lehane celebrates scoring a goal. Image: ©INPHO/Oisin Keniry

"So, you can imagine now - they'll be building something in that dressing room that it's 'us against the world' and if there's going to be success for this Tipperary team later on this season - there's going to have to be no question about their attitude and their will to die for each other.

"That's against Cork, so if they were to beat Cork next week, then the Munster Championship is wide open.

"I predicted it was going to be like the Game of Thrones every week where someone was going to die that you weren't expecting and yeah, I think it's shaping up that way!" he added.