Casey relishing fierce competition for places in Limerick team

LIMERICK hurling defender Mike Casey wants the big games to just keep on coming as they prepare for the opening fixture of the Munster SHC Round Robin against Waterford in Thurles on tomorrow afternoon.

The Na Piarsaigh man has had more injuries than most in recent years but returned with an outstanding season in 2022. He says that he can't wait for the Munster Championship to get underway.

"It's a hugely competitive competition. There isn't a puck of a ball between any of the teams that are in it. Look at the scenes at last year's Munster Final, 44,000 people in Thurles.

"The atmosphere was absolutely incredible. The game lived up to the hype and it was an unbelievable game to be a part of. I'm really looking forward to the start of the competition."

Casey has been part of an outstanding Limerick full back line since making his inter-county debut against Clare in the Munster Championship back in 2017.

Given the nature of where Casey plays and the consequences of a mistake leading to a goal, concentration levels are at a seriously high level in modern hurling. He says it's just part of the job.

"That's the nature of the game," Casey admitted at the launch of the Munster Championship at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. If you come into the game and you are maybe two or three per cent off you are going to get turned over. It's as simple as that. It's so highly competitive from minute one to minute 74/75.

"You have to be fully switched on and fully tuned in. Whatever team that can do that and make the least amount of mistakes will probably come out on top."

Limerick play a new look Waterford from the one they have become used to in recent years. The county's have had titanic battles in recent years with the 2020 All-Ireland Final, 2021 semi-final and last year's Round Robin games helping to create a massive rivalry.

It's all change with the Deise, this year, however, with Davy Fitzgerald returning to the hotseat and replacing Liam Cahill.
Casey is sure one thing won't change despite the new regime, that Waterford will give their all to beat Limerick.

"We always get an unbelievable test off Waterford. Looking back at last year, they came with a huge intensity to Limerick. They really put us to the pin of our collars.

"Casey had another injury scare even before the inter-county season began as he went down against Ballygunner clutching his knee during their Munster club semi-final but it wasn't as serious as initially feared and he returned to training with Limerick midway through the league.

The competition for places in the Limerick full back line has reached a new level with Casey, Sean Finn, Dan Morrissey, Barry Nash and Richie English among the players pushing for a starting spot.

"You're just trying to put your hand up for selection. The competition is incredible and we are all looking forward to getting started."