League semi-final spot on the line as Limerick hurlers take on Wexford

LIMERICK'S senior hurlers head into their final Allianz Hurling League Division 1 group game with Wexford today knowing a win will guarantee a semi-final place.

Following an opening night defeat to Cork, John Kiely's side have won their last three league games against Clare, Galway and Westmeath.

Wexford, on the other hand, have only one victory to their name but came extremely close to beating Cork last weekend. Darragh Egan’s men eventually fell to a two-point loss to the Rebels.

Limerick have gone through the gears nicely since that loss in Pairc Ui Chaoimh. The win over Clare got them back on track and it was the same story in both Salthill and in Mullingar.

Last Sunday, Limerick welcomed back 2022 Hurler of the Year, Diarmaid Byrnes, back into in the starting lineup for the first time this year, while there were also first run outs for both Aaron Gillane and Mike Casey.

The Round 5 game today is the latest chapter in what has been a fascinating recent history between the two counties. Three of the last five meetings between the teams have taken place in Wexford Park and the Yellowbellies have earned victories twice in those games.

You have to go back to 2016 to see the last time that the sides met in Limerick, a game that saw the then TJ Ryan managed Limerick earn a 14-point win.

Eleven of Limerick's current panel played that day. Declan Hannon lined out at full-forward that day, scoring 1-4, while Diarmaid Byrnes pludered 0-4 from half-back.

The current All-Ireland champions go into the game as strong favourites but face a Wexford side that are certainly better than their league showings in 2023.

With respective provincial championships only five weeks away, preparation is sure to step up another notch at the TUS Gaelic Grounds this afternoon.