The key match-ups in Limerick's National Hurling League clash with Cork

THERE will be several key match-ups between Limerick and Cork players all over the field in this evening's National Hurling League clash between Limerick and Cork. 

Cork defeated Limerick twice last year in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship round-robin series and in the All-Ireland SHC semi-final. Kiely's side got the better of their Munster rivals at the TUS Gaelic Grounds in 2023 provincial championship. The Rebels edged past Limerick in the 2023 National Hurling League. 

Limerick are aiming to beat Cork in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh for the first time since 2022. 

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

John Kiely and Pat Ryan have mixed their starting XV's with youth and experience. 

Shane O'Brien v Ger Millerick 

After a breakout season last year, John Kiely has opted to go with Shane O'Brien on the edge of the square. O'Brien has impressed scoring 1-10 for Mary Immaculate College in the Fitzgibbon Cup. The Kilmallock man looks destined to break into the Limerick starting XV in 2025. Cork's Ger Millerick looks like he could be the player who will man mark the Limerick attacker this evening. 

Gearoid Hegarty v Ciaran Joyce

Gearoid Hegarty looked sharp in Limerick's victory over Waterford in a senior challenge match last Sunday. Hegarty lined out in first half for Limerick and the St Patrick's clubman was on target with 0-4 in the opening 35 minutes. Pat Ryan will hoping Cork can limit Hegarty and it looks as if Ciaran Joyce will pick up the 2020 hurler of the year this evening. 

William O'Donoghue v Darragh Fitzgibbon

William O'Donoghue has recently been appointed as the new vice captain of the Limerick senior hurling team. Kiely and Kinnerk will be aware of the problems, Darragh Fitzgibbon caused them in last year's defeats to Cork. The Cork midfielder popped up with crucial scores for Cork throughout last year's path to the All-Ireland final. O'Donoghue will be looking to spoil the Charleville clubman tonight. 

Diarmaid Byrnes v Shane Barrett 

Cork's running game in the half forward line was a key reason the Rebels reached the last year's All-Ireland final. Shane Barrett was in sensational form in 2024. The Cork attacker has been chosen at wing forward, the experienced Diarmaid Byrnes is likely to pick Barrett up. Byrnes will look to put Barrett on the back foot. 

Barry Murphy v Brian Hayes 

Doon's Barry Murphy has been chosen at corner back. Murphy has previously played in midfield and in attack for the 2023 All-Ireland champions. Kiely has made the decision to pick Murphy at corner back after the Doon man stood out in defence for his club. Cork's Brian Hayes scored 0-4 in his side's opening round victory over Wexford last weekend and Hayes will take watching in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh