“We’ve had long enough off now” | Cathal O’Neill raring to go ahead of Munster Senior Hurling League

John Kiely’s men play in Group A of the competition, alongside Cork and Clare, with the All-Ireland champions facing the Rebels on January 7th in Mallow.

Limerick Senior Hurler Cathal O’Neill is excited to “get back into the routine” of intercounty hurling, as the Shannonsiders begin preparations for January’s Co-Op Superstores Munster Senior Hurling League.

John Kiely’s men play in Group A of the competition, alongside Cork and Clare, with the All-Ireland champions facing the Rebels on January 7th in Mallow.

O’Neill, speaking at the launch of the Munster Senior League, made clear his excitement in returning to action, following a stellar 2023 where he played a part in the Treaty County winning a fifth successive Munster title, as well as a fourth Liam MacCarthy in-a-row.

“We’ve had long enough off now, we had a nice break, glad to get back into the routine of it more than anything! Players around now are always tipping away, keeping themselves somewhat right”.

“We enjoyed what we achieved last year, but we’re looking forward to 2024, just trying to prepare as best as we can for the season ahead, and what we did last year won’t matter a bit when we cross the white lines in January”.

The 21-year-old turned in a number of impressive displays throughout the year, but often had to settle for a substitute role in Limerick’s star-studded attack.

It was from the bench that O’Neill entered the cauldron of Croke Park during July’s All-Ireland final clash with Kilkenny, adding two impressive points following his introduction.

The Crecora/Manister clubman will be hoping to use the Munster Senior League as a chance to stake his claim further for a starting spot in 2024.

“We always use it as a real good building block, try get as much game time under your belt as possible and drive on then to the National League”.

“Every player’s focus is to try make a mark as soon as possible and try keep their starting place. Competition within the group has never been as high, it makes everyone better, we’re really looking forward to the season ahead now”.

Limerick get their Munster Senior Hurling League campaign underway on January 7th, as they take on Cork in Mallow at 2pm.

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