ON the back of an indifferent League campaign, seven-in-a-row seeking Limerick enter the Munster Senior Hurling Championship arena against Tipperary at Semple Stadium, Thurles, on Sunday (April 14) at 4pm.
Thomas Walsh of Waterford will referee, and an attendance of 35,000 is expected.
Earlier (2pm), new favourites Cork and All-Ireland winners Clare will have crossed sticks at Cusack Park, Ennis.
After a glittering spell as Shannonside captain, 32-year-old Declan Hannon has handed over the baton to Cian Lynch.
“You get a feeling maybe yourself that it might be a good time and nobody wants to outstay their time in anything,” said Hannon at the launch of ‘eir for all’ Poc Tapa Challenge.
“I’m lucky that I can look back and we’ve been successful. Hopefully we’ll look to carry that on again with Ciano in the next few years.”
He added modestly: “Obviously I had a great time and was lucky to be involved as the captain when we won a couple of bits and pieces, but there’s obviously no better man than Ciano to take it on.”
“We’re great buddies. We get on like a house on fire. We have great craic. We’ve been working together since 2018 so we have a great relationship on the field and off the field.
“He’s a great fella. I’ve learnt a lot from Ciano over the years as well. There’s no better man to take on the mantle.”
Troubled by some niggling injuries, three-time All-Star Hannon did not feature in the League but is certain to be involved in Championship 2025.
He said: “I’m working away, training away hard now at the minute. I’m trying to get up to speed.”
“Not having a whole lot of game time this year, I’m trying to get up to match speed, which can be difficult. You can do that in training as well.
“I’ll just hopefully get through the Munster Championship injury-free and get a bit of game time.”
In the curtain-raiser on Sunday, Limerick run up against Tipperary in the quarter-final of the Munster Senior Camogie Championship, 2pm.
