Paudie O’Brien, Kilmallock defending champions, Joe Hannon, Mentor Adare Senior Hurling Team, Gerry O’Brien, Manager Hyundai, Limerick Motor Centre, Robert O’Mara, Hyundai, Limerick Motor Centre, Mike O’Riordan, Secretary Limerick County Board, Martin O’Mara, Hyundai, Limerick Motor Centre and James O’Brien, Na Piarsaigh, runners up in the 2012′ Championship.
Picture: Keith Wiseman
THE HYUNDAI Limerick Motor Centre County Senior Hurling Championship throws in this weekend. Here are your game previews.
Group 1
Saturday in Caherconlish 7pm
South Liberties v Ahane
BOTH sides will be looking to make a promising start in which will undoubtedly be a very tight group. Any one of the four sides can triumph, however Ahane must be the favourites. They have struggled in the last few years but still have a quality side and should come out victorious in what promises to be a tough encounter. With Liberties having made a shaky start to the season, they could be here for the taking.
Prediction: Ahane
Sunday in Kilmallock 7pm
Croom v Garryspillane
NEITHER side will enter this competition as heavyweights, but in a very open group both sides will know that victory is essential. With Croom you never know what to expect, while Garryspillane have come out of the traps slow this year. Expect a tight affair with so much on the line. May only be a score in it.
Prediction: Croom
Group 2
Sunday in Clarina 7pm
Na Piarsaigh v G/Ballingarry
GRANAGH/ Ballingarry have made great strides in recent years, but the loss of Donal O’Grady may be fatal for their ambitions. Na Piarsaigh are undoubtedly pound for pound the strongest side in the competition with their squad brimming with talent. On their day Na Piarsaigh are the team to beat. After falling short last year they will be determined to bring the crown back to the city. Anything but a victory for the blues would be a major shock.
Prediction: Na Piarsaigh
Sunday Bruff 7pm
Patrickswell v Doon
A FEW years ago this should have been a facile victory for the ‘Well, however Doon are undoubtedly the most improved side in Limerick hurling. The men from the east have made a great start to their league campaign and if they translate that form to the big stage they may pick up an early scalp.
Prediction: Doon
Group 3
Friday Bruff 7pm
Knockainey v Bruree
ANOTHER tie that will be very difficult to call. Not too much separate these two sides and they have both made superb starts to the league. Both will feel they have a chance of causing a few stirs in this years championship and good start will be essential.
Prediction: Draw
Saturday in Claughaun 7pm
Adare v Murroe/Boher
TWO very good sides meet here and Adare, last year’s beaten finalists, will be looking to go one better this term. However, they have a difficult first hurdle to overcome and will need talisman Declan Hannon to be on top form in order to avoid a surprise defeat.
Prediction: Adare
Group 4
Kilmallock Sunday 3pm
Effin v Ballybrown
THE men from Effin face a tough task as they encounter a Ballybrown side who shocked Na Piarsaigh in the city championship. Buoyed by that victory and a massive sqaud, Ballybrown will be brimming with confidence which should see them see off this tough Effin side.
Prediction: Ballybrown
Sunday in Bruff 5.30pm
Kilmallock v H/Herbertstown
THE reigning champions start their defence with a tough task. Kilmallock have an abundance of talent within their squad, so this should be a win for the men in green and white. Kilmallock will be there or thereabouts at the business end of the season and expect them to ensure that by starting well.
Very much an uphill battle for H/H. They will be lucky to come out unscathed.
Prediction: Kilmallock
