Preview | Limerick look to kick off 2023 with Waterford win in McGrath Cup

The Limerick senior footballers return to action after a seven-month lay off under the tutelage of Ray Dempsey.

Limerick host Waterford in the opening round of the 2023 McGrath Cup this evening in Mick Neville Park at 7pm. It will be their first game under Ray Demspey after Billy Lee stepped down after six years in charge last summer. It is also their first contest since June 2022 when they were bested by Cork in the All-Ireland qualifiers.

Dempsey has already named his side for the contest with one full debutant in the form of Cathal Downes. There are five more awaiting a first appearance off the bench with seven players retained from the side that started against Cork in June.

Limerick will be hoping for an improved McGrath Cup campaign after a couple of below par performances twelve months ago. In their opening contest, Limerick were overpowered by Kerry, a feat they would repeat in the Munster final five months later. Against Tipperary in Mick Neville Park, the Shannonsiders fell to a number of late scores losing out 1-12 to 0-14.

However, they responded in style in the league, clinching a second promotion in three years before going on to reach a first Munster decider in twelve.

In Rathkeale, they will face a Waterford side for the first time since 2021. On that occasion, Billy Lee’s men flexed their muscles for a comprehensive 4-18 to 0-12 victory in the Gaelic Grounds. That followed a trio of victories over the Deise in 2020 in the McGrath Cup, League and Championship.

Limerick will be keen to hit the ground running with Tipperary away to come on Saturday January 14. The table toppers in Group B will qualify for the McGrath Cup final on January 18. Clare, Kerry and Cork make up the other group with the latter duo also meeting on Wednesday evening.

It will be a quick turnaround for Dempsey and co with Derry awaiting in the first round of the National League on January 28 as Limerick return to the second tier for the first time since 2007.

The clash from Rathkeale will be streamed live by Munster GAA TV.

Watch Limerick v Waterford (McGrath Cup)

Or you can get your tickets for the game here.

Limerick take on Waterford in the first round of the 2023 McGrath Cup in Mick Neville Park on January 4 at 7pm.