Preview | The Limerick Hurlers begin their 2023 campaign against Cork in Pairc Ui Rinn

In a dress rehearsal of their League meeting next month, Cork welcome Limerick to Leeside.

A lengthy wait comes to an end this Sunday as the three-in-a-row All-Ireland champions Limerick return to action for the first time since their July 2022 victory in Croke Park.

John Kiely’s men will get a taste of the year to come as they travel to Cork to take on the Rebels. They will have the same opposition for company for their National League opener on February 4.

Cork have already had an outing in 2023, where they comfortably beat Kerry 2-30 to 2-17 in Tralee. Limerick will travel to the same venue on Tuesday to take on the Kingdom.

The Munster Hurling League has proved fruitful for Kiely and co in recent years with three of the last four titles going to the Treaty men. In each of those years they added All-Ireland titles.

Last year, Limerick played with just a handful of the players that featured in the 2021 All-Ireland final but still proved far too strong for Kerry first and then Clare in the Ennis final.

Barry Nash captained the side with Dan Morrissey, William O’Donoghue and Gearoid Hegarty the only other players to start the decider in Croke Park and Cusack Park.

The competition was unplayed the previous year owing to covid restrictions but in 2020, Limerick again set out their intentions early, this time putting Cork to the sword in the Gaelic Grounds.

Kiely’s charges racked up a fifteen point win with Aaron Gillane goaling in the 1-32 to 0-20 victory. Two years previously, Limerick claimed their maiden Munster Hurling League title by virtue of a win against Clare.

In recent years, Limerick have opted mainly for fringe players with a number of squad using the opportunity early in the season. The side only recently returned from their All-Ireland winning hioliday and will likely hand debuts to a couple of players.

John Kiely is set to name his team on Friday evening.

The side could see the return of Cian Lynch who played just one full game in the 2022 championship, suffering injury against Waterford in Munster before returning in the All-Ireland semi-final for a cameo.

He then suffered an ankle injury that saw him out of the All-Ireland final. Peter Casey also only featured in cameos in 2022 following his return from an ACL injury.

Kiely called in a number of players after last year’s U20 final with the likes of Jimmy Quilty and Fergal O’Connor seeking debuts.

Cork began life under Pat Ryan with a 13-point win over Kerry last week. Declan Dalton returned to the side and hit a goal as did Shane Barrett as they racked up 2-30.

The Rebels haven’t won the preseason competition since 2017 when they overcame Limerick in the decider. They did win the Munster championship later that year and repeated in 2018. However, their All-Ireland drought stretches back to 2005 with their previous National League success coming in 1998.

As such, silverware will be welcomed on Leeside with Cork knowing a win over Limerick will assure them a place in the final of the Munster League.

Similarily, Limerick will know a loss will make their tie with Kerry on Tuesdasy a dead rubber. And with the League just over three weeks away, Sunday’s game takes on added importance.

Limerick face Cork in the Munster Hurling League this Sunday, January 15 at 2pm in Pairc Ui Rinn.