William O’Donoghue looking forward to getting the “show on the road again”

William O’Donoghue discussed getting back into the swing of things, the split season and a healthier routine at the launch of Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme.

The Limerick Senior Hurlers return to action this Sunday as they face Kerry in the Munster Senior Huring Cup semi-final.

John Kiely’s side haven’t been seen on the field for five months since their thrilling win over Cork in the All-Ireland final.

On that day, the team produced a performance for the ages, breaking countless records in a sixteen point win to retain their Liam MacCarthy title.

And with the 2022 campaign on the horizon, All-Star William O’Donoghue is looking forward to getting going again.

“We haven’t formally met, we’ve just had a few sessions so you’d be looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and getting back into the groove of things. Just getting the show on the road again so yeah it’s an exciting time.”

Kerry are Limerick’s first opponents of the year with their first win ever over Tipperary saw them into the last four at the weekend.

It will be the first meeting of the sides since 2019 when Limerick picked up a first win since their All-Ireland triumph, defeating the Kingdom 4-14 to 0-11 in Tralee.

But O’Donoghue is taking little for granted against Kerry who were full value for their victory over Tipperary.

“In fairness, for this weekend all the momentum is with Kerry. They’ve obviously some great work done. They played a game and obviously played very well, Kilmoyley, the Kerry senior champions won the Munster intermediate championship.

“Kerry hurling seems to be on a the crest of a wave so I’d imagine they wil be coming to the Gaelic Grounds full of confidence on Sunday. It’s up to us to give a good account of ourselves.”

Once again Limerick will enter the year as favourites to win the All-Ireland title, such was their dominance over the past two years in the championship.

Yet, there is still improvements to come in this side with O’Donoghue focused on getting into a “better position” than last year.

“We had a lot of downtime. We were able to enjoy Christmas. So we are just back there so in terms of my own preparation I think I am like everyone else in the country in January, trying to get back into a healthier routine.

“There’s a long year there so just gradually trying to build, get in better shape, get fitter and getting better than the position I was in last year.”

A worrying prospect for the rest of the country but certainly a welcome one for the Treaty faithful.