LIMERICK’S quest for a 15th National Hurling League title begins on Sunday (2pm) with an outing against Waterford at Walsh Park.
Only a fortnight ago, John Kiely’s side emerged snug winners over the same opposition in the final of the Munster Senior League.
Limerick finished only fifth in the pennant competition last season, and were most recent winners in 2023.
In the wake of the recent victory in the Munster Senior League in Fermoy, Kiely said: “We have a lot to do to make sure we have our own ship in order going down to Walsh Park. It will be a big challenge.”
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“We’ve definitely a bit of confidence built into the group after the Munster League. We have to tap into that now.
“We didn’t have a good league last year and it was very disappointing, particularly the latter stages of it. It’s very important to us and that game is really important to us.”
Limerick also have league outings with Kilkenny (home, h), Tipperary (away, a), Offaly (a), Cork (h), and Galway (h).
On Sunday, the Déise lost their opening round (Limerick had a bye) heavily away to Cork at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Waterford are under the management of former Kilmallock boss Peter Queally, who has added Limerick’s Adrian O’Sullivan (St. Kieran’s) to his backroom team.
O’Sullivan has previously been involved with the likes of 2019 Joe McDonagh Cup finalists Westmeath and 2013 All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie winners Limerick.
His first role as a manager/coach was here locally with St Patrick’s.
Prior to the start of the League at the weekend, BOYLE Sports bookmakers chalked up outright odds of: Cork 5/2, Limerick 5/2, Tipperary 9/2, Kilkenny 5/1, Galway 11/2, Waterford 8/1, and Offaly 20/1.
For a second successive year, ticket prices have been frozen at €20, €15 (OAPs and students), and the recently introduced €5 for juveniles.