Five talking points ahead of Limerick's Allianz Hurling League clash with Kilkenny

THE LIMERICK senior hurlers will aim to continue their unbeaten record against Kilkenny on Sunday at 1:45pm in UPMC Nowlan Park. Sunday's round four clash will be shown on TG4. 

Leader Sport takes a look at five talking point ahead of this weekend's clash between Limerick and Kilkenny. 

1. More of Limerick's experienced players to return 

Mike Casey, Barry Nash, Declan Hannon, Darragh O'Donovan, Cathal O'Neill, Tom Morrissey and Peter Casey are yet to feature for John Kiely's side throughout the Allianz Hurling League. Young hurler of the year nominee Cathal O'Neill returned from injury in UL's victory in the Fitzgibbon Cup final last weekend.

“They're all relatively well. They're training hard and they're trying to get up to speed. We don't want to put them in until we know that they are 110 per cent. They are definitely making great progress and there's no reason why they won't be available in the coming games" said Limerick senior hurling manager John Kiely after his side's victory over Tipperary in round three of the Allianz Hurling League.

2. Limerick have the upper hand on Kilkenny 

In 2022 and 2023 Limerick got the better Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final which created a rivalry between the counties at that time. Since 2019 there hasn't been many meetings between Limerick and Kilkenny. In 2019 'The Cats' came out on top of the All-Ireland semi-final against Limerick and last year's Derek Lyng's side stunned the Treaty County in the league semi-final. Although, Kilkenny have defeated Limerick in the past, the 2023 All-Ireland champions have the upper hand on their opponents in championship hurling. 

3. Limerick's goalkeeper choices 

Nickie Quaid has been a major loss to the Limerick senior hurling team. In Quaid's absence Jason Gillane and Shane Dowling have performed excellently in the opening two rounds of the Allianz Hurling League. It will be interesting to see who Kiely's pick as his goalkeeper this weekend. Kilmallock clubman Conor Hanley Clarke is yet to play for Limerick in the Allianz Hurling League. Hanley Clarke could be set to make to make his senior inter-county debut this weekend. 

4. Victory this Sunday could put Limerick in conention for a place in the league final

A victory this weekend could put Limerick in contention for a place in the Allianz Hurling League. The top two teams will advance into this year's Division 1A league final. After Sunday's clash against Kilkenny, Limerick will have three home games to come against Clare, Galway and Wexford. If Limerick were to record their second victory of the league campaign, Kiely's charges would put themseleves in conention to reach the Allianz Hurling League decider.

5. Could Derek Lyng bring back some of his experienced players this weekend?

It has been mixed campaign so far for Kilkenny where they have won two of their three Allianz Hurling League games in 2025. Adrian Mullen, TJ Reid and Eoin Murphy were all rested in their last game against Wexford. Mullen, Reid and Murphy could all return for the reigning Leinster champions against Limerick on Sunday afternoon.