U-21 hurling final could force club fixture changes

LIMERICK GAA officials could be set for a club championship rethink after the county’s U-21 hurlers booked their All Ireland final spot.

On September 12, Limerick will play in a first All Ireland U-21 final in 13 years.

John Kiely’s side will face Wexford in Thurles in what will be a repeat of the 2001 final which Limerick won 0-17 to 2-10.

However before that final showdown all 40-members of the extended Limerick U-21 panel are due to play club championship games. Some have two fixtures in the next 10-days.

It is understood that U-21 manager John Kiely is to discuss the situation with Limerick GAA officials today ahead of a fixtures meeting this Monday night.

The final round of group games in the Limerick SHC and IHC are scheduled for next weekend and could now be in doubt. Likewise for the final round of Limerick SFC and IFC which are fixed for September 2-3.

However, any cancellation of club games would cause of pile-up of games in the immediate aftermath of the All Ireland U-21 final to ensure the varying Limerick championships are finalised in time for Munster club championship deadlines.

It may transpire that the club games have to go ahead and therefore ensure a nervy 10-days for all connected with the panel. Forward Robbie Hanley missed Saturday’s win over Galway with a shoulder injury. He could be back for the final.

“Wexford have been the favourites for this competition from the very outset. We will have it all to do but we have a lot of momentum and are battle-hardened,” said the Limerick manager of their final opponents.

The club fixtures under scrutiny at this Monday night’s fixtures meeting are as follows:

Q3 Security Systems County Senior Hurling Championship

Ahane v South Liberties, Saturday August 29 in Caherconlish at 6.30pm

Murroe-Boher v Effin, Saturday August 29 in Bruff at 6.30pm

Kilmallock v Patrickswell, Sunday August 30 in Bruff at 1.00pm

Doon v Ballybrown, Sunday August 30 in Kilmallock at 6.30pm

Adare v Bruff, Sunday August 30 in Claughaun at 6.30pm

Na Piarsaigh v Croom, Sunday August 30 in Clarina at 6.30pm

LIT County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship

Blackrock v Pallasgreen, Friday August 28 in Hospital at 6.30pm

Monaleen v Garryspillane, Saturday August 29 in Bruff at 5.00pm

Dromin-Athlacca v Granagh-Ballingarry, Sunday August 30 in Kilmallock at 5.00pm

Bruree v Knockainey, Sunday August 30 in Kilfinane at 6.30pm

Nick Greene Sportsground Mgt County Intermediate Hurling Championship

Cappamore v Feenagh-Kilmeedy, Friday August 28 in Kilmallock at 6.30pm

Mungret v St Kierans, Friday August 28 in Croagh at 6.30pm

Knockaderry v Caherline, Friday August 28 in Clarina at 6.30pm

Kildimo-Pallaskenry v Hospital-Herbertstown, Saturday August 29 in Ballingarry at 6.30pm

Glenroe v Feohanagh, Saturday August 29 in Ballyagran at 6.30pm

Newcastle West v Claughaun, Saturday August 29 in Croagh at 6.30pm

Irish Wire County Senior Football Championship

Adare v Na Piarsaigh, Thursday September 3 in Clarina at 6.45pm

St Kierans v Fr Caseys, Thursday September 3 in Newcastle West at 6.45pm

Ballysteen v Newcastle West, Thursday September 3 in The Bog Garden at 6.45pm

Dromcollogher-Broadford v Ballylanders, Thursday September 3 in Kilmallock at 6.45pm

Rathkeale v Monaleen, Thursday September 3 in Bruff at 6.45pm

St Patricks v Pallasgreen, Thursday September 3 in Caherconlish at 6.45pm

Griffin Coaches County Intermediate Football Championship

St Senans v Bruff, Wednesday September 2 in Ballingarry at 6.45pm

Mountcollins v Castlemahon, Wednesday September 2 in Dromcollogher at 6.45pm

Hospital-Herbertstown v Claughaun, Wednesday September 2 in Caherconlish at 6.45pm

Galbally v Glin, Wednesday September 2 in Clarina at 6.45pm

Cappamore v Mungret, Wednesday September 2 in Claughaun at 6.45pm

Athea v Oola, Wednesday September 2 in Croagh at 6.45pm