TWO-time All-Ireland Long Poc Champion Colin Ryan of Pallasgreen has been recalled to the Limerick Senior Hurling squad for 2026.
The 29-year-old was chosen to start in goals for the weekend ‘Champions Under Lights’ slender 1-21 to 0-23 loss to Liam MacCarthy holders Tipperary in Fethard.
Ryan, who stands at 5’11” has been drafted in as cover for three-time All-Star goalkeeper Nickie Quaid, while Fionn O’Brien of Intermediate finalists Bruree is, in the eyes of manager John Kiely, another option between the sticks.
O’Brien too enjoyed significant game time at the weekend.
Na Piarsaigh’s Shane Dowling, who covered for Quaid earlier in the year, is not available for next season.
Ryan was an extended panel member in Limerick’s memorable All-Ireland breakthrough triumph of 2018.
He has won significant championship medals with the Shannonsiders at minor, Under-21 and senior grade.
Ryan’s first appearance for the county was in goals at Under-18 level back in 2013, a summer in which Limerick won the Munster Championship after a lapse of almost 30 years.
A year later, he was a defender with the side that retained the provincial title.
In his time as an Under-21 with Limerick, Ryan won a couple of Munster Championships, along with a coveted All-Ireland (2015: Limerick 0-26, Wexford 1-7).
He debuted for Kiely as a senior in a league outing against Kerry in ‘17.
Limerick have entered the Munster Senior League in the New Year, with outings scheduled away to Clare (January 3)and home to Cork (January 7).
The National League will follow from February with fixtures against Waterford (a), Kilkenny (h), Tipperary (a), Offaly (a), Cork (h) and Galway (h).
This is a competition that Limerick have won outright on three occasions under Kiely’s watch.
Limerick’s Munster Championship campaign, from late April onwards, will involve outings with Cork (a), Clare (a), Wateford (h) and Tippeary (h).