THE latest instalment of the magical Limerick-Clare Senior Hurling rivalry will unfold when the neighbours clash in the Allianz National League at the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday (3.45pm).
It’s likely to be the first of four fixtures on the trot for John Kiely’s outfit, with matches to follow quickly against Galway (home), Kilkenny (away), and Wexford (home), and thereafter a two-week break before the possibility of a final at the start of April.
The Munster Championship begins against Tipperary at Semple Stadium, Thurles, on April 20.
Limerick were idle at the weekend after Kilkenny’s Nowlan Park failed an early morning pitch inspection.
It’s possible that Limerick will go with a similar line-up to that which was announced for the cancelled fixture with the Cats.
That side featured the return of outgoing captain Declan Hannon, Mike Casey, and Barry Nash.
Casey and Hannon were chosen at full and centre-back, respectively.
Nash was named in his customary number four shirt, and Barry Murphy was switched to the other corner.
Adam English was set to partner captain Cian Lynch around the middle of the park.
Eddie Stokes of Doon was to be given his chance in attack.
A win over the Banner would assure the home side of top-tier action next season, along with edging closer to a possible top two (and thus a final) position.
With three defeats, All-Ireland and title-holders Clare are relegation troubled.
At the weekend, Brian Lohan’s team were shock six-point losers against Wexford at Cusack Park, Ennis. This came after earlier defeats to both Kilkenny (home) and Galway (away).
The tie marked the return of five-time All-Star Tony Kelly, and along with fellow aces John Conlon, David Fitzgerald and Mark Rodgers will be on the starting blocks for the short trip into the Ennis Road venue.
Commented Clare mentor Ken Ralph: “It was a busy off season….so we’re probably a bit behind where we should be or want to be.”
Thomas Walsh (Waterford) will referee.
