3 Key Battles to watch out for between Limerick and Cork

Limerick take on Cork in Pairc Ui Chaoimh this Saturday night in what promises to be a thrilling Munster Hurling Championship round-robin contest. Cork sit on top of the table with three points but will be overtaken by John Kiely’s men if they can secure a precious away win. With little to choose between the sides, the matchups on Saturday evening will prove crucial. Below we look at some of the key battles.

Declan Hannon & Conor Lehane

After operating in the forwards for the first number of years as an Inter-County hurler, current Limerick captain Declan Hannon has now firmly established himself at centre back with some commanding displays at 6. He did an effective job last time out against Tipperary, covering well across the 45 and generally limiting the Tipp attack.

This Saturday he will have to contend with Conor Lehane who is an atypical centre forward. The Middleton man likes to roam around the field and Hannon will have to decide whether to follow the livewire or hold his position. If Lehane can get on the ball inside the Limerick half, he is sure to cause damage. It seems likely that if Lehane drops deeper, then Limerick will send a man to follow him. No doubt, John Kiely will be prepared for all scenarios.

Declan Hannon in action against Clare in the 2018 League Quarter Final.

Cian Lynch & Darragh Fitzgibbon

Like Hannon, after a couple of years in the forwards, Cian Lynch has settled brilliantly at midfield for John Kiely’s men, a position where he excels for Patrickswell. Opposite him on Saturday will be Charleville’s Darragh Fitzgibbon who is into his second year with the senior team. Both are different kinds of players with Lynch more of distributor whereas Fitzgibbon prefers to take on his man and usually chips in with a couple of scores a game.

Despite both only a year removed from the U21 grade, they have a major influence on their teammates. With both sides containing dangerous forward units whoever comes out on top in midfield will have a big say on the outcome of the game.

Aaron Gillane & Sean O’Donoghue/ Colm Spillane

Aaron Gillane came into the Tipperary game with huge expectations after being named U21 Hurler of the Year as Limerick secured their second U21 title in three years last Autumn while also impressing in his maiden league campaign. The anticipation didn’t seem to faze the Patrickswell man who performed well on his debut a fortnight ago, chipping in with eight points in Limerick’s impressive victory.

He will be keen to build on this display but will have his hands full in Pairc Ui Chaoimh where he will be likely picked up by Sean O’Donoghue or Colm Spillane. Both Cork defenders have impressed thus far with only a couple of championship appearances between them. While the Cork defenders were well on top against Tipperary in the opening half last weekend, another second half collapse against Limerick will not go unpunished.

Aaron Gillane rises above Donagh Maher in the first round of the 2018 Munster Hurling Championship.