Sean Finn named in starting XV for Kilkenny clash | TEAM NEWS

Sharpshooter Aaron Gillane continues in the corner, the Limerick talisman joined by Donnacha Ó Dálaigh and Peter Casey as inside forwards this weekend.

John Kiely has named his Limerick side to take on Kilkenny in the semi-final of the Allianz Hurling League on Saturday at 3.30pm in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

The injured trio of Fergal O’Connor, Colin Coughlan and Mike Casey are absent for this one, with Sean Finn, Aaron Costelloe and Diarmaid Byrnes drafted in for the defenders.

Declan Hannon continues as captain at centre-back, with Cian Lynch joining Will O’Donoghue in the middle of the park.

The Shannonsiders picked up wins against Antrim, Westmeath, Dublin and Tipperary before drawing with Galway in Pearse Stadium last weekend.

It meant they earned a league semi-final with Kilkenny, in what will be a repeat of last year’s final, where Limerick cantered to victory.

Nickie Quaid continues in goal, with Finn and Costelloe coming in to join Barry Nash in the full-back line.

Hannon is named at six, flanked by Cathal O’Neill and the returning Byrnes. O’Neill has been rather impressive since assuming a role in the half-backline, and will be hoping for another strong display against the Cats.

Lynch partners O’Donoghue in midfield, with Adam English named at centre-forward. Shane O’Brien saw red against Galway, and the Kilmallock man is replaced by Gearoid Hegarty at half-forward, Tom Morrissey on the other flank.

Sharpshooter Aaron Gillane continues in the corner, the Limerick talisman joined by Donnacha Ó Dálaigh and Peter Casey as inside forwards this weekend.

Limerick team to play Kilkenny:

1. Nickie Quaid
2. Barry Nash
3. Sean Finn
4. Aaron Costelloe
5. Diarmaid Byrnes
6. Declan Hannon (C)
7. Cathal O’Neill
8. William O’Donoghue
9. Cian Lynch
10. Gearoid Hegarty
11. Adam English
12. Tom Morrissey
13. Aaron Gillane
14. Donnacha Ó Dálaigh
15. Peter Casey

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