JOHN O’Halloran of Bruree will get the 2023 inter-county season underway when he takes charge of the opening fixture of the Co-Op Superstores Munster Senior Hurling League between Waterford and Tipperary in Dungarvan this evening.
It’s a first game in charge of Waterford for Davy Fitzgerald, who replaced the now Tipperary manager Liam Cahill.
Clare are also in Group 1 and start-out against Tipp in Nenagh on Sunday next (which will be refereed by a Limerickman in Eamon Stapleton, Doon). Holders Limerick, along with Cork and Kerry, are in Group 2 and John Kiely’s men aren’t in action until a trip to Cork on Sunday week.
With only one team to emerge from each grouping, early round results will be crucial.
The final is fixed for Sunday, January 22.
In last year’s decider, an 8,000 strong attendance witnessed first-hand as Limerick overcame Clare 0-27 to 0-18 at Cusack Park, Ennis. Limerick were well on their way by half-time, ahead 0-17 to 0-9. A couple of fringe players who caught the eye 12 months ago were Colin Coughlan and Brian O’Grady, while David Reidy top-scored with a dozen points for a side captained by Barry Nash.
Limerick were first winners of this competition in 2018 and added a second title two years later.
In the other early year competition, Limerick are home to Waterford in the McGrath Cup Senior Football Tournament at Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale on this Wednesday night.
