Nicky English says we are in for another brilliant Munster hurling championship

Six time All-Star Nicky English was in Cahir Castle to launch this seasons Munster championships on Thursday evening. The hurling legend, who has played for Tipperary at the highest level in both hurling and football, addressed the crowd at the castle saying: "It is a privilege for me to launch the Munster championship in football and hurling. I have had a very long association with the championship," he said.

The two time All-Ireland winning forward spoke about his memories of the championship across the years adding that the quality of sport in the province is very high in recent times with the hurling championship hugely exciting: "I for one was absolutely to see Tony Kelly take and hit that sideline going for a point just to see another half an hour of that. 

"Last year, inside in Limerick, I certainly would have gone for another half an hour of that. The Munster championship is not getting any worse, it is getting better and better," the former Lattin Cullen hurler said. 

Limerick have been serial winners across the decade but the standard is still high across other counties with Cork, Tipp, Waterford and in particular Clare running them close in recent years: "One time it would be hard to figure out who will win the hurling Munster championship, it is definitely hard to still figure that one out. 

"Even who will be in the top three now is hard to figure out and down to the last minute last year you wouldn't have a clue who would have been in the championship. 

"In terms of who'd win it, it looks like Limerick and Kerry at the moment for football," said Nicky before continuing: "A lot of the certainties in racing at Cheltenham - I mean El Fabiolo was supposed to win last week but he didn't win when it came down to it. 

"The hurling is very, very hard to call. I think Limerick obviously will be huge favourites but if there is to be an end to the five-in-a-row or the drive-for-five for Limerick it is most likely to come in Munster 

"I'd say than if they get out into Croke Park. The first game between Clare and Limerick in Ennis will be absolutely massive and then Tipperary play Limerick the second game. There is a huge amount to look forward to," Nicky said.