Limerick switch focus to Cork clash in Allianz Hurling League

ALLIANZ NATIONAL HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 1A
CORK V LIMERICK
Date: Saturday, February 1
Venue: SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh
Throw-in: 7.30pm

LIMERICK senior hurling manager John Kiely says his side will still be in a building process over the next few weeks. Manager Kiely said they are looking forward to Saturday evening's Allianz Hurling League Division 1A opener with Cork at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, a repeat of last year's All-Ireland semi-final.

Limerick defetaed Wateford in a challenge game ahead of next weekend's trip to Leeside.

John Kiely said: “The next number of weeks (we) are still in a building process Even going through the league you are building through the championship. So far, so good and we'll keep our heads down and keep working hard.

“We love playing in Páirc Ui Chaoimh and it's always a fantastic venue and obviously an incredible opposition as well. We're looking forward to that trip down there. It'll be a tough contest, I've absolutely no doubt.”

Limerick had a bye on the opening weekend of the National Hurling League. Kilkenny, Cork and Tipperary all recorded victories in round one, Division 1A fixtures.

Seven teams are competing in Division 1A of the league this year.

“That's the way we want it, the more competition the better. At the same time, we will be trying to develop players as we go through.”

Darragh O'Donovan, Declan Hannon, Barry Nash, Mike Casey Cathal O'Neill, Peter Casey, Diarmuid Byrnes and Adam English didn't take part in Sunday's challenge match against Waterford at the TUS Gaelic Grounds.

“There's a few fellas carrying a few knocks but nothing major,” John Kiely said.

“We'll assess during the week where we are at. We will putting out what we have available.”

The Shannonsiders have played challenge matches against UL, Antrim, Dublin and Waterford in January. Kiely was happy with his side's performance yesterday.

“I'm just very happy to get a game in, the weather conditions the last week or two it's been difficult getting games organised. It just cleared in time for us this morning, a good competitive game and we got everyone on the pitch for at least a half. That was also a positive and picked up no injuries along the way which is another positive and to get the result, I'm happy but it's another stepping stone towards our first round of the league next weekend.”