Limerick primed for trip to Croker to take on Dublin in Allianz Hurling League:
By John Keogh Limerick Leader Sport
LIMERICK’S senior hurlers continue the defence of the Allianz Hurling League title when they make the trip to Croke Park this Saturday for a third round meeting with Dublin, 5.15pm.
John Kiely’s men have earned wins over Antrim and Westmeath in the League this year and the Shannonsiders will be confident of maintaining their 100% record against a Dubs’ side that have struggled.
Micheál Donoghue’s charges were well beaten by Tipperary in their first game of the league and struggled to a one-point win over Antrim last time out.
Limerick had their own issues during their win over Westmeath with Donnacha Ó Dálaigh’s goal eventually breaking down an impressive performance from the Lake County. Ó Dálaigh now has 1-11 from his two starts in the league and is one of many players putting their hands up for selection in the early part of the year. It is the Monaleen man’s second year with the senior panel.
Limerick will also have their Mary Immaculate College and UL contingent available for selection once again after their Fitzgibbon Cup exploits which saw the sides meet in Saturday’s final in Abbeydorney, Co Kerry.
Along with Ó Dálaigh, Fergal O’Connor, Shane O’Brien and Adam English have put their hands up for further selection in the latter stages of the league and the Munster Hurling Championship.
Kiely’s charges were far from their best in Mullingar in that win over Westmeath and the Limerick manager will be expecting a much better showing in Croke Park.
GAA HQ has been a home away from homes for Limerick in recent years with the players openly expressing the enjoyment they get from playing at Jones’ Road venue. They are unbeaten in Croker since the All-Ireland semi-final loss to Kilkenny back in 2019.
Limerick’s Allianz Hurling League fixture on Saturday evening is the first park of a double header with Dublin facing Kerry in the Allianz Football League Division 1 at 7.15pm.