THE importance of the upcoming Munster Senior Hurling League to a team’s early season preparation was highlighted at its launch over the festive period.
Established only in 2016, all six provincial counties will participate in the eighth edition of the league, once more supported by Co-Op Superstores.
This mini-league is split into two groups of three, with just the top side advancing to the final at the end of this month.
Three-time winners Limerick will open their campaign against Cork in Mallow on Sunday (January 7, throw in 2pm), quickly followed by a trip to Sixmilebridge and a tussle with Clare the following Wednesday (January 10, 7pm).
The other group involves Tipperary, Waterford, and Kerry.
Each side play just two matches.
Munster Chairman Ger Ryan said: “The Munster Council is pleased to facilitate this pre-season competition for our counties as it provides participating teams with a great opportunity to prepare for the very competitive League starting in early February.”
“Great work is being done by coaching and games development in all Munster counties and this competition gives the respective managers the opportunity to introduce exciting young talent in to their team set-up and give them a flavour of the standards required at the top level.
“I am delighted that all six Munster counties are taking part in 2024 as the inter-county season returns in earnest in early January.”
The final is listed for January 21.
In the football equivalent, Limerick open their season with a visit from Munster champions Kerry to Rathkeale’s Mick Neville Park on Saturday (2pm). On January 14, Jimmy Lee’s side travel to meet Tipperary in Templemore.
Cork, Clare, and Waterford are in the other section of the draw.
The final is scheduled for Friday January 19.
Initially, the competition – introduced back in 1981 – excluded ‘big guns’ Cork and Kerry for quite a while but the pair were admitted in more recent times.
Limerick have annexed the McGrath Cup on seven occasions, 1985, 1987, 1991, 1901, 1904, 2005 and 2020.
