LIMERICK’S first real test of 2024 will arrive at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday when Tipperary provide opposition in the latest round of the National Hurling League (throw-in 7.35pm).
John Kiely’s side, with victory, can assure themselves of a league semi-final outing on Leeside.
The glamour tie was listed for the TUS Gaelic Grounds, but the healing time on upgrade works on the playing surface carried out at the venue last December has been hampered by the weather.
An earlier league fixture scheduled for the Ennis Road grounds, against Antrim, was moved to Semple Stadium in Thurles.
For Limerick to have a run-out on Leeside is actually of benefit as the side will engage with Cork at the location in the upcoming Munster Championship.
John Kiely’s outfit and Tipp are both unbeaten in three starts, with Limerick at the head of the standings in Division 1B on scoring difference.
Against Antrim, Westmeath, and Dublin, title-holders Limerick had plenty in hand but this will be acid tested against opponents who have accounted for two of the same opposition, along with Galway.
In the wake of the victory at Croke Park, manager John Kiely clearly indicated that he was keen to continue a policy of providing match time for his more established players, so expect the likes of Cian Lynch, Seán Finn, Aaron Gillane, and Peter Casey to make their first appearances since the All-Ireland Final win over Kilkenny soon.
In Dublin, Kiely stated: “For us you could see the guys that came back that hadn’t game time gotten this far needed game time tonight. They are going to need more in the weeks coming as well and that’s just where we’re at at this stage of the season.
“We are trying to re-integrate players, get players back up to full match practice and match speed and that’s where we’ll be keeping our focus for the next number of weeks, working hard and getting more and more guys back into the picture.”
In the concluding round, Limerick are due to host Galway on St Patrick’s Day.
Of the appetising fixture, Tipperary two-time All-Star Shane McGrath said in his column on rte.ie: “I think we will see as close to championship teams as possible for both Tipp and Limerick and the winner of this will have sewn up one of the semi-final spots.
“For Tipp, I think that’s so appealing, with them not starting their championship campaign until a week after everyone else on 28 April.”
With the tie moved from the Gaelic Grounds to Cork, it’s not certain how many fans of the All-Ireland, Munster and League Champions will travel but there is still likely to be a healthy attendance.
Limerick are huge odds-on shots to account for Tipp.
Liam Gordon (Galway) will referee.
Meanwhile, with two wins (over Kerry and Down) from as many starts, Joe Quaid’s high-flying Limerick are away to Dublin the National League on Saturday.
