LIMERICK’S bid for a fifth Munster Senior Hurling Championship on the trot will open at 2pm on Sunday in what is expected to be a lively encounter against Waterford at Semple Stadium in Thurles.
As Walsh Park is currently out of commission due to redevelopment works, the Déise have opted for Thurles as their ‘home’ venue this season.
Again, the provincial championship is being run off on a league basis, with Limerick home to Clare at the Gaelic Grounds the following Saturday night with just a short rest before rapid-fire outings against Tipperary (away) and Cork (home).
The Munster Final on June 11 will involve the top two teams, while third placed will also advance to the All-Ireland series.
Newly crowned league winners Limerick have been installed as overwhelming favourites to retain both Munster (3/10) and All-Ireland titles (2/5).
Ahead of Championship 2023, Limerick manager John Kiely warned: “There’s an incredibly tough Munster Championship coming up.”
He added: “If you were to look back at the last three or four, you’d have to say this is possibly the most competitive one.”
“There’s a lot of teams that can hurt you very badly, very quickly if they’re given the opportunity. That’s not lost on us. Every year is different, and I’ve always pointed this out. No two seasons are the same. They all bring their own story.”
Captain Declan Hannon and Kyle Hayes both missed the league decider through minor injuries but are again certainties for starting slots at the weekend, as is William O’Donoghue who returns having served a one-match suspension.
Kiely’s only problem now is that there is such immense competition for team places he may be forced to leave All-Stars on the bench.
The team is due to be announced at 9pm on Friday.
Whatever about Kiely, the most animated individual in Thurles on Sunday is certain to be Waterford manager Davy Fitzgerald.
At the Clare man’s disposal will be quality individuals such as Tadhg de Búrca, Iarlaith Daly, Jamie Barron, Patrick Curran, Jack Prendegast, Dessie Hutchinson, and Stephen Bennett. Austin Gleeson and Conor Prunty are both doubtful starters due to injury.
Liam Gordan of Galway will referee.
According to the bookies, who have installed Limerick as 1/10 favourites, the All-Ireland champions should remain on track for a 24th Munster Championship success.
Sunday’s other championship opener pits Clare against Tipperary at Cusack Park in Ennis (4pm).
