PREVIEW | Limerick U20s begin provincial defence with rescheduled Waterford clash

Limerick will have a quick turnaround as they welcome Clare next Wednesday for the second round of the championship.

The Limerick U20s get their Munster Hurling Championship campaign underway this Saturday after a slight delay as they travel to the Fraher Field.

The game was originally to be played on Wednesday but was rightfully postponed due to inclement weather with the minors playing at the same venue in incredibly testing conditions the previous night.

But Mullins and his side will begin the defence of their title in Dungarvan this Saturday afternoon with throw-in against the Deise at 1.30pm.

Last year, Limerick saw off Clare, Cork and Waterford to reach the Munster final where they got the upper hand against Tipperary to claim their first title at the U20 grade.

For the side that was named for the Wednesday evening meeting, there are seven of the team that started in last year’s All-Ireland final, Evan O’Leary, Cian Scully, captain Ethan Hurley, Adam English, John Kirby, Patrick O’Donovan and Shane O’Brien. English and O’Brien have already played senior national league this year.

These sides met in the Munster semi-final in 2022 where Limerick earned a 0-27 to 3-15 win in the TUS Gaelic Grounds. O’Brien and English combined for 0-10 from play but Ballygunner star Patrick Fitzgerald scored 1-2 on that evening and he is one of six from that side that are named for the first-round clash this year against Limerick.

Limerick will have a quick turnaround as they welcome Clare to the TUS Gaelic Grounds next Wednesday for the second round of the championship with three weeks to their next game away to Tipperary. They round out the group stage of their provincial championship on April 28 at home to Cork with the top team advancing directly to the final while second and third meet in a semi-final.

Clare and Tipperary’s clash on Wednesday evening was also rescheduled owing to the weather as they meet in Cusack Park on Saturday afternoon.

You can watch Saturday’s game on Sport TG4’s YouTube channel.

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.