LIMERICK will re-enter the All-Ireland Senior Football series via the Tailteann Cup with a tricky away trip to fancied Wexford on Saturday, throw-in 6pm (referee: Séamus Mulhare, Laois).
Ahead of the tie, the home county will host Dublin in the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship (4pm).
Jimmy Lee’s side enjoyed an unbelievable run in this second-tier competition last season, with group wins over Antrim, London, and Westmeath, and thereafter knock-out victories against Wexford and Wicklow before a narrow final loss to Kildare in the final at Croke Park.
Earlier this year, Limerick exited the Championship proper with a heavy loss on the road against Cork.
Ahead of that, there was the unfortunate relegation from Division Three of the National League.
In the competition, Limerick beat Wexford, courtesy of a last-gasp goal from Peter Nash at Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale.
Limerick also beat the Slaneysiders several times last season, including in the Division Four League decider and Tailteann Cup.
The Shannonsiders, however, have been hit by injuries in 2026, but still have fine performers in Cormac Woulfe, Barry Coleman, Tony McCarthy, Eliah Riordan, Cillian Fahy, Killian Ryan, Paul Maher, James Naughton, and Danny Neville.
Limerick are also without the valuable services of retired Iain Corbett, who, in the words of Football Committee chairman Wayne Fitzgerald, made “a contribution on and off the field for 14 incredible seasons that not only delivered countless memorable moments but has also set a standard for those who will follow in his footsteps”.
Irrespective of the weekend happenings in the sunny southeast, both teams will have another outing in the competition later this month.
Down, soundly beaten by Armagh in the Ulster Championship semi-final at the weekend, are the clear 5/4 outright favourites to win Tailteann 2026, with Limerick priced at 25/1.