LIMERICK boss John Kiely has named an exceptionally strong XV for Sunday’s Allianz National Hurling League Final showdown with Kilkenny at Páirc Uí Chaoimh (throw-in 2pm).
His counterpart, Kilkenny’s Derek Lyng, has also announced his starting selection, one which includes the return of Adrian Mullen and TJ Reid (substitute).
Kiely’s side are expected to come out strong with 13 All-Stars set to shoot onto the Cork pitch – the only exception being young Cathal O’Neill and Barry Murphy.
Murphy comes into the side in place of the suspended William O’Donoghue and will partner his experienced clubmate Darragh O’Donovan (just back from injury), around the middle of the park.
From the team that toppled Tipperary, Dan Morrissey returns at full-back, while Kyle Hayes, Gearóid Hegarty, and Séamus Flanagan are all named in attack.
Also into the side come Dan Morrissey, Kyle Hayes, Darragh O’Donovan, Gearoid Hegarty and Seamus Flanagan from the side that beat Tipperary in the semi-final.
Limerick: Nickie Quaid; Sean Finn, Dan Morrissey, Barry Nash; Diarmaid Byrnes, Declan Hannon, Kyle Hayes; Darragh O’Donovan, Barry Murphy; Gearóid Hegarty, Cian Lynch, Cathal O’Neill; Aaron Gillane, Séamus Flanagan, Peter Casey.
Substitutes: David McCarthy, Conor Boylan, Mike Casey, Ronan Connolly, Colin Coughlan, Adam English, Richie English, Tom Morrissey, Shane O’Brien, Aidan O’Connor, Donnacha Ó Dálaigh.
Kilkenny: Eoin Murphy; Mikey Butler, Tommy Walsh, Padraig Walsh; Richie Reid, Huw Lawlor, David Blanchfield; Conor Fogarty, Paddy Deegan; John Donnelly, Adrian Mullen, Billy Ryan; Billy Drennan, Martin Keoghan, Eoin Cody.
