Ex-Offaly All Ireland winner Daithi Regan was at the launch of Newstalk's GAA coverage and he previewed the Hurling Championship with Oisin Langan.

The ex-Birr star felt the Championship is more competitive than people give it credit for.

"In the football over the last number of years, a number of different teams have contested finals with three different winners in three years. 

"However I thought the hurling league was fantastic despite the misgivings of some players and other people involved in the game. The format suits teams going for it from the off.

Regan turned his attention to the challengers for the Liam McCarthy Cup.

"Although Cork got relegated that's more of a problem down the line for them. You can't write Cork off and if they get to Croke Park, the type of game they play will suit the openness.

"Tipp probably need to come through the front door. They probably need to win Munster. They're on a journey at the moment where they need to win, win, win.

"We just don't know with Galway. The same problems are there from last year. There's a problem at no6, no 3 and a problem of where to play Joe Canning. They need to set their stall out and play Joe in a specific position.   

"Kilkenny are obvious contenders but outside of that, I like where Clare have come from. I watched Limerick in the league specifically against Offaly in Tullamore but I think Clare are more developed in their game."