SIX months out from the action and the draws have already been made for the various Limerick Championships.
In the Senior Hurling Championship, the groupings were already known but pitted together in the opening round of the group stages are holders Na Piarsaigh, reunited with their All-Ireland winning manager Shane O’Neill, and 20-times champions Patrickswell, who have parted company with their boss John O’Meara.
That glamour tie will be the centrepiece of the early stages at the Ennis Road venue.
The other first round fixtures in Group One, from which four teams advance, are: Doon versus Kilmallock and Ahane against newcomers Kildimo/Pallaskenry.
In Group Two, from which only two sides progress, are: All-Ireland Intermediate winners Monaleen, Adare, Ballybrown, Garryspillane, Mungret/St. Paul’s and South Liberties.
Already, Na Piarsaigh have been installed as favourites to retain the John Daly Cup next Autumn, followed in the pecking-order by Doon, Kilmallock and Patrickswell, with Mungret/St. Paul’s considered dark horses.
Effin against Newcastle West is the pick of matches from the start of the Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship, which also includes Glenroe, Na Piarsaigh, Bruff, Cappamore, Blackrock and Dromin/Athlacca.
In Senior Football, leading contenders Adare and Newcastle West, the defending champions, have been kept apart.
Three teams progress to the latter stages from each section.
Group One: Newcastle West, Fr. Casey’s, Claughaun, Kildimo/Pallaskenry, Oola and St. Kieran’s.
Group Two: Adare, Ballysteen, Na Piarsaigh, Monaleen, Ballylanders and Galtee Gaels.
All details are available at limerickgaa.ie.
