AFTER a break, there are a couple of pre-season competitions for Limerick GAA supporters to look forward to early in the New Year.
Limerick have confirmed their participation in both the Munster Senior Hurling League and McGrath Cup (Senior Football) events.
Supported by Co-Op Superstores, the hurling league is split into two groups – Limerick/Clare/Cork and Kerry/Tipperary/Waterford – with the winners from each to meet in the final.
John Kiely’s outfit have early assignments against Clare in Tulla on Saturday January 3 (2pm) and Cork at the Gaelic Grounds on Wednesday January 7 (7.35pm).
The latter, a repeat of this year’s epic Munster Final at the same venue, will be broadcast live on TG4.
At the competition’s launch in Raheen, Munster Chairman Tim Murphy said: “After a two-year gap, we are pleased to facilitate this pre-season competition for our counties as it provides participating teams with a great opportunity to prepare for the very competitive League starting in late January.”
“With the Liam MacCarthy Cup residing in the province of Munster every year since 2018, each county needs to take every opportunity to find that bit extra – whether it’s finding new players, a change in tactics or simply finding that one per cent improvement to turn de-feat into victory.
“While the atmosphere and electricity that makes the Munster Championship such a cherished competition is only igniting in January, have no doubt that the respective team managements will look to begin 2026 on a positive note and the Munster League is the first step on the ladder.”
The football competition follows an identical format, with Limerick grouped alongside Cork and Tipperary, while Kerry, Clare, and Waterford are on the opposite side.
Jimmy Lee’s side meet with Tipperary at Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale, on Friday January 2 (7pm) and Cork at Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday January 11 (7pm).