CHAMPIONSHIP 2023 is likely to be one to remember.
That’s the opinion of Limerick’s 2018 All-Ireland Hurling medal winner Séamus Hickey, who will be close to the action through his new posting with GAAGO as an analyst next season.
At the Croke Park launch, Hickey commentated to the media that “there’s no doubt that the gap closed between the top teams because it was an incredibly competitive championship”.
“Every player in that Limerick dressing-room is now a year older for 2023 so that in itself brings its own challenges and you’ve fresh blood coming in to in Cork, Waterford, and Tipperary, and even in Leinster between Galway and Kilkenny.”
He added: “The wheel keeps turning and because of that and the bar that Limerick have set, you saw in the league last year that every team gave their best effort against Limerick. And I thought Limerick’s struggle in the league was really a reflection of every opposition team giving them their best game, particularly in the likes of the Galway game in the Gaelic Grounds.
“It’s symbolic of the perch that they sit on that every team is going to bring it. I think that the standard has elevated in number of counties. I know Cork were disappointed of late and will want to do better next year.”
“So, there are two of the favourites from last season who didn’t even get to a Munster Final, and Waterford didn’t make it out of the province at all.”
Concluded Hickey: “So, you’ve got that unknown within the championship which makes it inherently watchable and interesting. For me, that’s what makes the All-Ireland Hurling Championship as high octane as it is.”
Limerick’s championship opener is away to Waterford at Walsh Park in April.
