Four debutants as John Kiely names first Limerick side of 2023

Limerick return to action for the first time since July 2022 when they were crowned All-Ireland champions.

John Kiely has named his first Limerick team of 2023 with four players handed their debuts from the start. Ciaran Barry and Fergal O’Connor both picked up All-Ireland medals last summer while newcomers Aidan O’Connor and Shane O’Brien start in attack. That duo along with O’Connor were a part of the Limerick U20 side that reached last year’s All-Ireland final.

Micheal Houlihan, Jimmy Quilty and Conor O’Grady are set for their debut off the bench.

In total, there are just three survivors from the starting team that claimed the All-Ireland title last July. Dan Morrissey moves to centre back with his brother Tom named at wing forward. Darragh O’Donovan is named at midfield. Nickie Quaid is amongst the substitutes.

David McCarthy, Richie English, Dan Morrissey, David Reidy and Oisin O’Reilly all started last year’s Munster Hurling League final.

Elsewhere, Mark Quinlan makes his first start since injury in last year’s Munster Hurling League opener while Barry Murphy features for Limerick for the first time since the 2021 All-Ireland final after rehabbing a knee injury last year.

Limerick team to face Cork

1. David McCarthy (Glenroe)
2. Fergal O’Connor (Effin)
3. Richie English (Doon)
4. Aaron Costello (Kilmallock)
5. Mark Quinlan (Garryspillane)
6. Dan Morrissey (Ahane)
7. Ciaran Barry (Ahane)
8. Darragh O’Donovan (Doon)
9. Robbie Hanley (Kilmallock)
10. Aidan O’Connor (Ballybrown)
11. David Reidy (Dromin Athlacca)
12. Tom Morrissey (Ahane)
13. Shane O’Brien (Kilmallock)
14. Barry Murphy (Doon)
15. Oisin O’Reilly (Kilmallock)

Subs

16. Nickie Quaid (Effin) 
17. Ronan Connolly (Adare)
18. Rory Duff (Mungret/St. Paul’s) 
19. Micheal Houlihan (Kilmallock)
20. Darren O’Connell (Kildimo/Pallaskenry)
21. Conor O’Grady (Hospital/Herbertstown)
22. Jimmy Quilty (Blackrock)