Limerick chase seventh provincial title in-a-row as Munster Hurling Championship gets underway

THE Limerick senior hurlers begin their quest for an unprecedented seventh Munster hurling title in a row this weekend. John Kiely's side face old rivals Tipperary on Easter Sunday in FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles at 4pm.

The round one Munster SHC fixture will be shown live on GAA+ and will not be available live on terrestrial TV. Former Limerick hurler Seamus Hickey is part of the GAA+ analysis team for the upcoming Championship.

Limerick completed a record six-in-a-row of Munster senior hurling titles when overcoming Clare in last year's final in Thurles.

The Shannonsiders have had the upper hand on Munster rivals Tipperary in recent seasons. 2016 was the last time Tipperary defeated Limerick in the Munster senior hurling championship.

The sides met earlier this year in the Allianz Hurling League where 2024 All-Ireland champions Limerick won out 0-30 to 1-23.

Tipperary had an impressive league campaign where they reached the Division 1A hurling league final. However, Cork got the better of Liam Cahill's charges in the Division 1A decider. Liam Cahill has introduced U20 players Sam O'Farrell and Darragh McCarthy, who impressesd throughout the league, into his senior squad this year.

John Kiely confirmed that a number of players have returned from their respective injuries when speaking at the Munster senior hurling championship launch. Goalkeeper Nickie Quaid remains the only long-term injury absentee.

Tickets for the clash between Limerick and Tipperary are available to buy on Ticketmaster. Between 30,000 and 35,000 supporters are expected to attend the Munster SHC opener in Thurles on Sunday.

The game will be proceeded by the Munster senior camogie championship quarter-final between Limerick and Tipperary at 2pm. All-Ireland champions Clare host Cork in Ennis at 2pm in the other game in the Munster SHC to be played on Sunday.

Limerick will face Waterford in round two of the Munster SHC on Saturday, May 3 at 6pm in Walsh Park. John Kiely's side will then finish off their round robin campaign with homes games against Clare and Cork.

Meanwhile, the Limerick U20's are back in action against Cork on April 23 in Mick Neville Park at 7pm. Senior players Hugh Flanagan and Darragh Langan have been balancing their commitments between the senior and u20 panels.

The Limerick minor hurlers face Tipperary on Good Friday in round three of the Munster championship in FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles. The game has a 7pm throw-in time. Donal O'Grady's side have suffered defeats to Cork and Waterford in the opening two rounds. Tipp have also lost their two opening fixtures.