GAA
After relegation in 2022, Limerick will be looking for an improved Spring campaign starting with a trip to Wexford on Saturday.
The Limerick Ladies Senior Camogie side begin their 2023 campaign this Sunday in Chadwicks Wexford Park at 2pm. Operating in the newly established Division 1B, John Lillis’ side will be hopeful of a more fruitful campaign than that of 2022 where they were winless in relegation.
The Shannonsiders did go on to reach the All-Ireland quarter-final but were comfortable beaten by an ever improving Waterford side who Limerick will face in the third round. Antrim, Down and Offaly round out the remaining teams in 1B.
First up for Lillis and co however is this weekend’s trip to Wexford who reached last year’s Division 2 league final. Three goals inside fifteen minutes proved the difference for the Yellowbellies as they claimed the title with a 3-12 to 0-14 win.
However, the restructuring sees them remain in the second grade alongside finalists Antrim. Down also find themselves in 1B after staving off relegation in 2022.
The Leinster side couldn’t continue this form into the championship as they picked up just one win in group one, that being a 1-9 to 0-11 victory over Clare.
Limerick on the other hand regrouped from their relegation in the league to reach the last six of the All-Ireland championship. Lillis’ side were beaten by Galway and Kilkenny in their first two championship outings but responded with successive victories over Antrim, Down and Offaly to move into the quarters.
In his second year in charge, Lillis has named a 36-player panel for the coming season with Marian Quaid continuing as captain of the team.
In total there are 18 clubs represented with Bruff, Monaleen and Na Piarsaigh all supplying four players to the squad. All-Ireland runners-up Adare have two in regulars Caoimhe Costello and Sophie O’Callaghan.
County champions Ahane have a pair with Aine Reynolds and Ele Madigan included. Runners up Killeedy are without any selected.
After Wexford, the following week Limerick host Antrim before successive trips to Waterford and Down before they round out their campaign at home to Offaly.
Watch the Sporting Limerick Preview from 45.40.