INTRODUCED in 2016 (to replace the Waterford Crystal Tournament, 2010 – 2014), the Munster Senior Hurling League (MSHL) – the final of which involves Limerick and Waterford in Mallow on Saturday, live TG4 at 3.15pm – was the first piece of silverware won by Limerick under current long-serving manager John Kiely.
With wins over Cork and Kerry (Tipperary and Waterford didn’t participate), Limerick advanced to a 2018 final meeting with Clare in front of an attendance of around 3,000 at the Gaelic Grounds.
Kiely’s side prevailed 0-16 to 0-10.
“It was a good solid win,” winning captain Paul Browne of Bruff acknowledged. “The most pleasing aspect was that some of what we’ve been doing in training the last couple of weeks came to fruition on the pitch. Lads are better prepared this year.”
- External Walls: Up to €8,000 Grant
- Attic: Up to €1,500 Grant
- Cavity Walls: Up to €1,700 Grant
- Internal Dry Lining: Up to €4,500 Grant
“Everyone knows their role, knows what they’re supposed to be doing. You saw that out there today – lads were flying around the place and balls were going into hand, even in the poor conditions, and the touch was good, so we’re happy about that.”
Limerick: Nickie Quaid: Tom Condon, Séamus Hickey, Richie English; Diarmaid Brynes, Dan Morrissey, William O’Meara; Paul Browne (0-1), Cian Lynch; Tom Morrissey (0-4), Darragh O’Donovan, Barry O’Connell (0-1), Aaron Gillane (0-8), Séamus Flanagan (0-1), Gearóid Hegarty (0-1).
Substitutes used: Barry Murphy, David Reidy, Andrew La Touche Cosgrave.
Limerick subsequently qualified in third place from the Munster Championship en route to the breakthrough All-Ireland final triumph over Galway at Croke Park.
Kiely’s side have also captured the MSHL in 2020 (1-32 v Cork 1-20 at Gaelic Grounds. Captain: Cian Lynch) and ‘22 (0-27 v Clare 0-18 at Cusack Park, Ennis. Captain: Barry Nash).
Limerick’s opening round is also against Waterford, at Walsh Park on St Brigid’s Day (February 1).