Limerick primed for crunch date with 'the Déise' at Walsh Park

THE LIMERICK senior hurlers return to action this Saturday when they take on Waterford in round three of the Munster senior hurling championship . John Kiely's side, who played out a thrilling draw with Tipperary their opening round fixture, had a bye last weekend in the second round of Munster SHC games. READ NEXT: Limerick suffer heartbreak in Munster Ladies senior 'B' football championship Limerick travel to Waterford this Saturday at 6pm to face ‘the Déise’ in Walsh Park.

The game will be streamed live on GAA+. Waterford produced an impressive display to secure a convincing eight-point, 2-23 to 0-21, victory over All-Ireland champions Clare at Walsh Park yesterday afternoon. Killmallock clubmen Shane O'Brien and Micheal Houlihan will come up against their ex-club manager next weekend when Limerick travel to Waterford.

Former Kilmallock manager Peter Queally is into his first year in charge of the Waterford senior hurlers. Limerick manager John Kiely has some big calls to make in terms of his starting XV for Saturday's trip to the South East. William O'Donoghue made the switch back to the number six, while Kyle Hayes was pushed into the Limerick attack in the Munster champions draw against Tipperary.

O'Donoghue previously lined out in the Limerick defence on the Shannonsiders’ run to the 2022 All-Ireland SHC title. Hayes started out his inter-county career in attack, but since then the 2024 All-Star has played most of his hurling at wing back. Dan Morrissey, Darragh O'Donovan and Sean Finn were some of the more experienced players that didn't feature off the bench against Tipp.

Meanwhile, Declan Hannon and Seamus Flanagan were not part of the 26-man panel for the game at FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles. UL student Cathal O'Neill missed Limerick's opening round Munster SHC fixture with a hamstring injury. Adam English and Cian Lynch formed a new partnership in midfield for the game.

Barry Murphy, Colin Coughlan and Shane O'Brien earned starts after impressing in the Allianz Hurling League in round one. After Waterford, Limerick will welcome Cork to the TUS Gaelic Grounds on Sunday, May 18. The 2023 All-Ireland champions finish off their round-robin campaign at home against Clare on May 25.

Cork lead the way in the Munster round robin standings on three points following their big win over 14-man Tipperary at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh yesterday..