On The Ball: New-look Munster SHC rolls into town - Jerome O'Connell

MUNSTER hurling championship rolls into town on Sunday but not as we know it...

The new Munster SHC format will take a bit of getting used to but what a feast of hurling awaits.

Any worry that the round robin group format may diminish the excitement certainly didn’t bear fruit in round one of the Leinster SHC over the weekend with Kilkenny and Dublin in serving up a thriller.

Four games in five weeks is ideal for Limerick, who traditionally revel with momentum and the run of games provides opportunity.

Lets confirm a few things.

There is no extra time, if games finish level – the teams get a league point each - two points for a win.

For two Munster counties, the championship will be over by June 17 – no backdoor, no qualifiers.

The top three teams in the final group table will progress to the All Ireland series. The Munster champions advance to the All Ireland semi final.

The beaten Munster finalists advance to the All Ireland quarter final.

The third place team in Munster advance to a preliminary All Ireland quarter final, where they will be away to one of the Joe McDonagh Cup finalists – Antrim, Carlow, Kerry, Laois, Meath, Westmeath.

The final standings in the Munster SHC could be determined by scoring average. If two teams finish level on points, the head-to-head result will determine their league position, while if three or more teams finish level on league points, then scoring difference will be used.

The bottom Munster SHC team will only be involved in a relegation play-off if Kerry win the Joe McDonagh Cup.

All eyes on the Gaelic Grounds this Sunday (2.00) with Limerick looking to end a three year wait for a win in the Munster SHC.