The Limerick IHC kicks off with a full set of fixtures in round one

Twelve teams set out on their journey to move into the premier intermediate ranks as the Nicke Grene championship gets underway.

The Limerick Intermediate Hurling Championship kicks off this weekend with every side in action, as they bid for promotion from the third tier.

Na Piarsaigh (IHC champions) and Caherline (relegated) and have been replaced by St Kierans, last year’s junior winners, and Knockainey, who fall down from PIHC.

Group 1

Croagh Kilfinny take on Pallasgreen in a repeat of last year’s semi-final, where the West side ran out twelve point winners. However, they have lost back to back finals after claiming junior honours in 2020.

In Ballyagran, Kilmallock clash with Knockaderry in Ballyagran, hoping for a better year in 2023, having narrowly avoided relegation last term. Knockaderry missed out on the knockout stages in 2022 on head-to-head, and they will no doubt be keen to go further this year.

Hospital Herbertstown and Bruree face off in the other game, to be played in Bruff. Bruree fell at the quarter-final stage in 2022, while H/H failed to progress past the group-stage.

Group 2

Knockainey take Granagh Ballingarry on Sunday evening in Croom, in a mouth watering Group 2 clash. Knockainey failed to pick up a win in the PIHC last year, but they will be tough opposition in their first year back in this grade. Both teams will start the championship as two of the favourites, boasting sides that contain players that have featured at the very highest level of Limerick hurling.

2022 junior champions St Kierans meet Croom, and will look to build on a positive campaign, following up their county final loss of the previous year. Croom reached the quarters last year, where they were beaten by Granagh Ballingarry.

The groups other game pits Feohanagh against Murroe Boher. The West outfit boast one of the superstars of the competition in Seamus Flanagan, the five time All-Ireland winner will be key to their chances of success this term. They missed out on the quarters last year and will be playing in the Intermediate grade in football also after their county win in 2022.

GAA coverage on Sporting Limerick is brought to you in association with Noels Menswear, shop online here or visit in Dooradoyle, Limerick City or Newcastle West.