Na Piarsaigh put Limerick senior crown on the line against Patrickswell in senior final
THE 2023 BON Secours Hospital Limerick SHC final takes place this evening with heavyweights Na Piarsaigh and Patrickswell facing off at the TUS Gaelic Grounds.
Na Piarsaigh are looking to defend the title they won 12 months ago, while Patrickswell are aiming to win their first Daly Cup since 2019.
Shane O'Neill's Na Piarsaigh side come into the final as slight favourites but Patrickswell will be full of confidence following their excellent semi-final performance and victory over Kilmallock.
Diarmaid Byrnes and Aaron Gillane were in scintillating form for Eamonn Kelly's men last time out and their management team will be hopeful of similar performances against Na Piarsaigh.
The Caherdavin side reached the final following a penalty shoot-out win in the semi-final over Doon. However, O'Neill and his backroom team will be hopeful of a much better showing from his charges than what was seen in that victory.
Former Limerick star Shane Dowling was the Na Piarsaigh hero in the penalty shoot-out. He saved four of Doon’s efforts and also hit the target twice during the sudden death win.
Daithi Dempsey was also in great form for Na Piarsaigh and will be hoping that his long standing injury problems are behind him. When on form, he is one of the best players in the championship.
Elsewhere, Peter Casey has been in fine form and will be a constant threat, while Adrian Breen is always capable of landing a goal or two.
Na Piarsaigh are looking to win their eighth Daly Cup when the sides meet at Limerick GAA HQ with Patrickswell are aiming for number 21. They won their 20th crown with victory over Na Piarsaigh four years ago.
The sides met in the first round of the championship back in August with Patrickswell coming out victorious on a 2-15 to 1-16 scoreline. Gillane also starred for Patrickswell in that win.
Na Piarsaigh have won every game that they have played in the championship since, while Patrickswell have been defeated by Doon and Kilmallock.
They could add William O'Donoghue to their ranks as he bids to return from a foot injury picked up in Limerick's All-Ireland final victory over Kilkenny. He has played no part in their club season thus far.
Patrickswell are hopeful that they have a full bill of health for the game themselves. Josh Considine came off early against Kilmallock in the semi-final, while Seanie O’Brien and Nigel Foley are also on their way to full fitness.
Gillane put in a man of the match performance in that stunning victory over Kilmallock last time out and he will again spearhead their challenge against Na Piarsaigh.
Gillane, Byrnes and Cian Lynch are undoubtedly the go-too men for the famed club but the addition of Evan Fitzgerald, as well as the growing maturity of the likes of Jordan Higgins and John Kirby have added to their cause immeasurably.
Given their semi-final performance, Patrickswell will feel that a 21st title is a very real possibility but will come to the TUS Gaelic Grounds knowing that Na Piarsaigh will be a much different challenge.
The Caherdavin side have won two finals since that loss to ‘The Well in 2019 and are justifiable favourites to earn victory.