Barry Nash at wing-back, who’s on the frees and more talking points ahead of Limerick v Laois

Limerick travel to Portlaoise this Saturday to take on Laois in the Quarter Finals of the National Hurling League. Limerick topped their group whilst Laois finished fourth in Division 1B. Yet, in a one off game anything is possible.

Ahead of the game we look at the main talking points.

Barry Nash at wing-back

When Barry Nash was introduced at wing-back for during Limerick’s defeat to Cork in the Gaelic Grounds a couple of weeks back, many began to point at the decision as panic from management. However, those who have followed teams under the tutelage of John Kiely should know that there is always a plan in place.

Having become accustomed to seeing the South Liberties man in the forwards during his time with Limerick, the move did come as a shock. Yet, you can be assured that this is something Kiely has identified in training and worked on with the double U-21 All-Ireland winner.

Nash is blessed with size, pace and strike of the ball which makes him the perfect candidate to slot into arguably Limerick’s most important line on the field. Gearoid Hegarty, who has proven his worth in the forwards since, was instrumental in the half-back line under Kiely when they won the U21 All-Ireland in 2015.

Certainly, Nash has the attributes to play at No.7 and should it work out it will prove a shrewd move from the Limerick manager.

Dan Morrissey at 3.

With Nash in the No. 7 jersey that Dan Morrissey won an All-Star in last summer, the Ahane man reverts back to full-back where he has previously played for his county. Morrissey last played in the jersey in 2016 against Tipperary where Limerick were beaten by a side that would go onto claim Liam MacCarthy.

Morrissey was at full-back for the qualifier against Westmeath before Richie McCarthy was reinstated for the Clare clash in the Qualifiers. Morrissey would have to bide his time in 2017 before getting the chance in 2018 to show his class.

Laois will provide him with the platform to show just why he was chosen for full-back nearly three years ago, and would provide John Kiely with cover on the edge of the square with both Mike Casey and McCarthy struggling with injury.

Sean Finn has been consistently brilliant at full back thus far in the league but if Morrissey is able to cement a spot at No.3 it will free up Finn to move back into the corner where he has excelled over the past two years.

Laois threat

Limerick come into the game on a high after finishing top of Division 1A after a nine-year absence from the top tier. On the back of last years All-Ireland success, all looks well in the Treaty County as Limerick gear up for a championship with a target on their back. Yet, each game comes with an unique challenge with every team desperate to overthrow the reigning champions. Thus, Limerick will have to be on guard against a Laois team who are used to playing Limerick in Division 1B.

Laois have struggled for form this year with just a solitary win and draw to their name. But, facing the All-Ireland champions in their own back garden should provide the Leinster outfit with the necessary motivation to put it up to Kiely’s side.

Limerick have made nine changes to the side to face Laois from the team that secured a draw with Clare in Ennis with just six of last years All-Ireland XV remaining. If these newcomers fail to perform then Limerick may find themselves in trouble. However, if they prove their worth, it will just add to the already extensive list of options at Kiely’s disposal

Who’s on the frees?

Aaron Gillane has been Limerick’s scorer in chief since he burst onto the inter-county scene last year. Such is the nature of his performances this year, there is a case to be made that he is the most in-form player in the country. Regardless, Limerick will have to plan without Gillane this Saturday as he isn’t named on the matchday squad.

Gillane is the sides free-taker with Shane Dowling operating as second choice when he is on the field. However, the Na Piarsaigh man is on the bench and thus it remains to be seen who will be on free-taking duty for the side on Saturday.

When Gillane was sent off against Cork last year, Tom Morrissey took over the responsibility and went five from five over dead balls but he is also absent from the matchday squad.

Peter Casey has taken frees for the county side before but isn’t his club’s recognised free-taker (Shane Dowling). Diarmaid Byrnes is an option but as a wing-back it doesn’t appear feasible. Barry Murphy has shown his ability as Doon’s first choice and seems most likely to take up the duty on Saturday, yet it remains an interesting side note to the game.