The key match-ups as Limerick renew rivalry with Tipperary in Munster Hurling Championship

LEADER SPORT'S Paul Shaughnessy takes a look at five crucial match-ups from the likely line-ups in the opening round of the Munster SHC between Limerick and Tipperary.

Dan Morrissey (Limerick) vs Jason Forde (Tipperary)

DAN Morrissey has been ‘Mr Consistency’ at full back for Limerick over the last number of years. Morrissey is rock solid under the high ball and the Ahane man is likely to pick up Tipperary sharpshooter Jason Forde. Forde has been hitting form and impressed when scoring 0-7 in his side's defeat to Cork in the Allianz Hurling League final at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh earllier this month.

Barry Nash (Limerick) vs Jake Morris (Tipperary)

BARRY Nash has been a regular at corner back for Limerick in their excellent run of Munster and All-Ireland successes.
The South Liberties clubman played at wing back throughout the league. The versatile Nash could easily drift between the full-back line and half back line on Sunday. Tipperary's Jake Morris has been deployed between the half forward line and half forward line for Tipperary during the league. Morris is also likely to play a floating role against Limerick this weekend.

READ NEXT: John Kiely: ‘You have to be competitive to get out of Munster’

William O'Donoghue (Limerick) vs Craig Morgan (Tipperary)

THE big question heading into the Munster Senior Hurling Championship opener on Easter Sunday is whether Tipp can match Limerick's intensity in the middle third.Tipp struggled in that department in their heavy league final defeat to Cork earlier this month. William O'Donoghue has been one of the most consistent performers for Limerick for several years and he is a player that Tipperary have struggled to deal with in the past.

Cian Lynch (Limerick) vs Ronan Maher (Tipperary)

THE Limerick and Tipperary captains are likely to match up against each other this weekend in the highly anticipated championship opener at FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles. Lynch will look to take Maher out of the number six channel and the Patrickswell will look to set up scores from deep. Meanwhile, Maher will be hoping he can sit back in the pocket and provide his full back with some protection.

Aaron Gillane (Limerick) vs Michael Breen (Tipperary)

LIMERICK sharpshooter Aaron Gillane will be hoping to make a bright start to the Munster Senior Hurling Championship this Easter weekend. Gillane's movement and scoring efficiency has proved a major headache for Tipperary in championship meetings in recent years. Gillane's accuracy from placed balls has been impressive in 2025. Tipperary corner Michael Breen is likely to pick up the Patrickswell clubman. Breen has made the switch into the full back line this year.