WITH such a current plethora of fresh talent, competition for starting places has intensified within the Limerick Senior Hurling squad in 2025.
Among this challenging group are Colin Coughlan, Adam English, Cathal O’Neill, Shane O’Brien, and Aidan O’Connor, whose delightful four points earned him Man of the Match in the snug weekend League win over Galway at the Gaelic Grounds.
“These lads are no longer banging on the door,” declared veteran Limerick midfielder and vice-captain William O’Donoghue. “There’s so many of them now that have been given game time and I don’t think any of them are banging on doors, they are all out for places and the lads are proving time and time again that they are well able for it.”
Fresh from a great match in goals, the experienced Shane Dowling added: “The one thing Limerick have prided themselves on over the last couple of years is their panel and their strength in numbers. And, the motto that was there is still there: ‘Next man up.’”
“Over the last few years, you could put down 13 or 14 names on the team sheet even before it was named, and thankfully that has changed now. It has taken time for those young lads and I think John (Kiely), Paul (Kinnerk), and the management team have brought in those lads over the last couple of years and they’re exposing themselves now.”
The extremely comfortable defeat of Galway brought with it some injury concerns in relation to Mike Casey, Kyle Hayes, and Adam English, all of whom departed early.
On an upbeat tone, there was a hugely appreciative cheer from the large Limerick support on the introduction of Peter Casey, who immediately announced his presence with a monster point.
It was Casey’s first appearance since an ankle break against Tipperary last spring.
Declan Hannon and Darragh O’Donovan are also both close to a return to action, boss John Kelly said, and added that netminder Nickie Quaid is also making rehabilitation progress “but still has a long way to go”.
Limerick bump into Kilkenny – who will be without suspended trio David Blanchfield, Mikey Carey, and Jordan Molloy – at Nowlan Park on Saturday (3.30pm).
