AFTER a short break, the National Hurling League resumes this weekend and the glamour tie of the upcoming round is Limerick’s tilt with All-Ireland champions Tipperary at Semple Stadium, Thurles, on Saturday (5.30pm, referee Colm Lyons of Cork).
John Kiely’s side enter with a win (Kilkenny) and a defeat (Waterford) against a team with two victories (Galway/Offaly) from three starts, and on the back of a loss in Cork.
Limerick were impressive in the comfortable home victory over the Cats a fortnight ago.
“It was slightly better than last week (versus Waterford at Walsh Park), but still a long way to go,” stated Limerick’s vice-captain William O’Donoghue in the wake of the happenings a fortnight ago at the Gaelic Grounds.
Last season, Limerick won just two from six starts in the League.
On that note, O’Donoghue commented: “We’re definitely attacking the league. I presume most teams are like that. You’re going to be playing most of these teams in Championship and I don’t think anyone wants to be losing games.”
O’Donoghue, like many of the current crop, has won three medals in the pennant competition (2019, ‘20 and ‘23).
With an opening round bye, Limerick will enter the Munster Championship arena later than others.
The League final, which will be contested by the top two teams in Division 1A, is listed for Easter Sunday (April 5) and the Shannonsiders are not engaged in the Championship until the daunting trip to Cork three weeks later.
After the imminent outing in Thurles, Limerick have further League assignments against Offaly (away), Cork (home) and Galway (home).
Cork already look primed for a League final appearance, with Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford and Kilkenny the other lead contenders, while Galway and Offaly are ranked outsiders for qualification.
Meanwhile, manager Mike Finn (Na Piarsaigh) has named Claughaun’s Ian McNamara and Paudie McNamara of Murroe/Boher as joint captains of the Limerick Masters Hurling team.