OPINION: Five Young Limerick Hurlers poised for breakout 2020

2019 was a mixed year for the Limerick hurlers with so much early season promise ultimately ending in disappointment for John Kiely’s side.

A spring League win which was followed by a Munster Championship win over Tipperary saw Limerick advance to the last four of the All-Ireland as favourites to regain their All-Ireland crown.

However, they were ambushed by Brian Cody’s Kilkenny in Corke Park with the Leinster side fully deserving of their one-point win.

Since then Limerick have had some time for reflection with the side returning to training in the past fortnight ahead of their Munster League clash on December 20 against Tipperary.

With that game on the horizon, I look at five players who I feel could make a huge impact for Limerick this season if they make the step up to the Senior Panel.

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Josh Considine

Patrickswell

If the current Limerick boss is looking for an injection of youth into his squad he should look no further than Patrickswell’s Josh Considine.

After spells in both defence and attack in past years, the nineteen-year-old settled in midfield this year alongside Hurler of the Year Cian Lynch.

He capped off a stellar year with a brilliant display in the county final, notching the only game of the game.

It would not be a surprise to see him included in Kiely’s winter squad for the Munster Hurling League.

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Dylan O’Shea

Garryspillane

Another of the U20 Limerick squad this year, Dylan O’Shea acclimatized well to his first year playing Senior Hurling as Garryspillane picked up a win and two draws from their five games.

His displays for club and school in 2018 were seriously eye-catching and 2019 could prove to be a huge learning curve as he moved into the senior ranks.

A classy forward that can operate anywhere from 8-15, his tally of 2-17 in a Harty Cup game earlier this year demonstrates just how potent he can be.

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Ronan Connolly

Adare

Connolly was called up to John Kiely’s Limerick Senior Hurling Panel twelve months ago and made his debut in the Munster hurling league against Kerry.

He didn’t feature after the turn of the year for his county.

Ronan Connolly takes the Harty Cup back to Ardscoil Ris and Limerick pic.twitter.com/CJOGwZ7FX8

— Matt O'Callaghan (@MattOCall) February 17, 2018

However, the experience of being in the camp certainly did wonders for his hurling as he was one of Adare’s standout performers in the championship this summer.

He captained this year’s U20 side and should be a part of Kiely’s plans for the coming years.

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Jerome Boylan

Na Piarsaigh

Boylan was a mainstay of the Na Piarsaigh fullback line during the 2018 as they retained their Limerick SHC title.

However, injury prevented him from making an appearance for his club in 2019 as Na Piarsaigh fell at the final hurdle.

A tenacious corner back, Boylan has all the attributes to make the step up to intercounty level if he is able to return to form once he regains fitness.

His brother Conor attributed himself well in his first year with the seniors this year and Jerome could well join him next year.

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Darren O’Connell

Kildimo Pallaskenry

Although they fell just short of promotion to the Senior ranks, Kildimo Pallaskenry look set to challenge in the Premier Intermediate grade next summer with Darren O’Connell the focal point of their attack.

While they can also count on Young Hurler of the Year Kyle Hayes in their forward division, O’Connell is a nightmare for any defender with his combination of pace and physicality.

His performances against Richie McCarthy (Twice) in the PIHC final are a testament to his quality.

A member of the 2018 Limerick U21 side and could well figure for the seniors next year.