The crucial match-ups in Limerick's All-Ireland semi-final showdown with Cork

THERE will be several key match-ups all over the field in this Sunday's All-Ireland SHC semi-final betweeen Limerick and Cork. 

Limerick and Cork produced an enthralling game of hurling earlier this year in round three of the Munster SHC when a penalty from Patrick Horgan in injury time sealed a two point victory for the Rebels. 

The sides previously met in the 2021 All-Ireland final where Limerick defeated Cork 3-32 to 1-22. 

Limerick are bidding to reach their sixth All-Ireland final in seven years, while Pat Ryan's side are hoping to reach their first All-Ireland decider since 2021. 

Leader Sport's Paul Shaughnessy looks at the crucial match-ups between Limerick and Cork. 

Mike Casey vs Alan Connolly 

Mike Casey missed the Munster championship clash against Cork through injury. The Na Piarsaigh defender returned from injury in the Munster final and brought a huge aggression to the Limerick defence. Alan Connolly was in sensational form Cork throughout the Munster SHC where he scored 4-9. In the preliminary quarter final and quarter final Connolly failed to score and Limerick will be hoping Casey can limit the Cork sharpshooter. 

Kyle Hayes vs Declan Dalton 

The battle between Kyle Hayes and Declan Dalton will be a physical battle. Kyle Hayes will look to put Dalton on the backfoot at any stage he gets with his blistering pace to create scores and set up scores for Limerick. Declan Dalton is Cork's ball winner in the half forward line and the Fr O'Neill's clubman has been accurate for Cork from long range frees. It is vital for Hayes to remain displined and win primary possesion. 

William O'Donoghue vs Darragh Fitzgibbon

Darragh Fitzgibbon is one of the form players in coutry right now. Fitzgibbon has been chipping in with key scores at key stages and he caused Limerick's huge issues in round three of the Munster SHC where he won man of the match. William O'Donoghue is a vital cog of Limerick's system and John Kiely will be looking for him to create turnovers in the middle third. 

Gearoid Hegarty vs Mark Coleman 

Hegarty has been consistently impressive for John Kiely's side throughout the Munster SHC where has registered 1-12 from play. The St Patricks clubman power and skill caused Cork huge difficulty in Pairc Ui Chaoimh particularly when he moved inside. Coleman will need to follow the 2020 hurler of the year everywhere on Sunday and try limit his infleunce on this game if Cork are to have any chance.

Aaron Gillane vs Sean O'Donoghue

Sean O'Donoghue did a terrific man marking job on Aaron Gillane earlier this year where he kept him scoreless from play. Pat Ryan will be hoping his captain can do the same again. Gillane has been accurate from the placed ball this year and last years hurler of the year is excellent at winning ball on the edge of square where he brings other players into the game.