THE new look Limerick hurling management team were dealt an early season blow over the Christmas period as Seamus Hickey revealed he would not be available for the National Hurling league.
The Murroe-Boher clubman, who was Young Hurler of the Year in 2007, will be absent for the early months of the year due to study commitments in America. However, it is expected that the multi -positional star will be available for the Munster SHC quarter-final against Tipperary on May 27.
Speaking about the loss, new Limerick manager John Allen lamented the absence of the young starlet.
“Seamus will be in America for a few months,” Allen said. “He’ll be back for the end of the league at the earliest. He’ll miss the most of it. He’ll be a big loss.”
The news of Hickey’s loss comes on the back of both Effin and Na Piarsaigh’s inter county contingent being unavailable until their respective club championship campaigns cease.
The Limerick senior hurlers are not in competitive action until the first weekend in February when they will take on either Clare or WIT in the Waterford Crystal Cup quarter final. The first game for Limerick in the national hurling league will commence on Saturday February the 25th with a clash under lights against Clare in the Gaelic Grounds. The throw in time for that game will be 7pm.
Meanwhile in other GAA news, The 2012 McGrath Cup will get underway on Sunday next with three preliminary round games down for decision. Eleven teams in total will take part in this year’s Munster Senior Football competition which will include six third level colleges in the province.
SUNDAY JANUARY 8TH
McGrath Cup Preliminary Round
Clare v University of Limerick
Venue: Milltown-Malbay @ 2:00pm
Referee: Brian Tyrell (Tipperary)
Tipperary v Limerick Institute of Technology
Venue: Clonmel Sportsfield @ 2:00pm
Referee: Jer Lynch (Kerry)
