Limerick’s 2022 U20 hurling stars stepping up to senior ranks

MEMBERS of Limerick’s 2022 U20 hurling team are now beginning to make their mark at senior level, as several promising talents have got their long-awaited chance to step up. 

Limerick reached the All-Ireland U20 hurling final in 2022 where they were narrowly defeated by Kilkenny 0-19 to 0-18. 

The Shannonsiders recorded victories over Clare, Cork, Waterford and Tipperary to win the Munster U20 hurling championship three years ago. Portlaoise native Diarmuid Mullins was in charge of Limerick U20's in 2022. 

Thirteen players from that Limerick U20 side are now part of John Kiely's squad which includes Cathal O'Neill, Colin Coughlan, Adam English, Aidan O'Connor, Shane O'Brien, Donnacha Ó Dálaigh, Fergal O'Connor, Ethan Hurley, Vince Harrington, Cian Scully, Patrick O'Donovan, Conor Hanley Clarke and Eddie Stokes. 

In 2022, O'Neill was ruled out of lining out for Limerick’s U20s due to the rule preventing players who feature at senior level from participating in the U20 grade. 

That rule no longer exists at U20 level. Colin Coughlan and Cathal O'Neill have been on the Limerick panel since 2021, while Adam English and Fergal O'Connor were added to the panel in 2023.

O'Neill established himself as a starter last year and the Crecora-Mainster clubman had an impressive season in 2024 where he was nominated for young hurler of the year. 

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Last weekend, Colin Coughlan and Adam English made their first starts for Limerick in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship. Coughlan started every game in the league for Limerick and the UL Fitzgibbon Cup winning captain looks set to break into the half back line this year. 

It has been a special few months for Doon's Adam English where he led his club to their first Senior Championship in October. English has broke into the Limerick team this year and he scored a terrific goal last weekend in Limerick's draw with Tipperary. 

Fergal O'Connor made significant impacts off the bench last year during the Championship. 

Shane O'Brien impressed in his second start for Limerick in the Munster SHC against Tipp. O'Brien was immense providing the Munster champions an outlet on the edge of the square.The Mary Immaculate student scored 1-4 and was a constant threat last Sunday.

Donnacha Ó Dálaigh was drafted into Limerick senior hurling panel on the back of an impressive club campaign for Monaleen where they won the All-Ireland Intermediate title. Over the last two seasons, Ó Dálaigh has made a name for himself as Limerick’s go-to game-changer off the bench

Ballybrown native Aidan O'Connor has been part of the Limerick panel since 2023. He made appearances off the bench last season and was again introduced as a substitute last weekend. With his continued progress, the Limerick forward now looks poised to challenge for a place in the starting XV this year. 

Goalkeeper Conor Hanley Clarke was drafted into the Limerick squad earlier this year in Nickie Quaid’s absence during the Allianz Hurling League. The Kilmallock shotstopper was part of the extended squad against Tipperary.

Ethan Hurley, Eddie Stokes, Patrick O'Donovan, Cian Scully and Vince Harrington were all called into the Limerick squad this season after impressing for their clubs during the Championship. 

Meanwhile, Evan O'Leary and Chris Thomas, both members of Limerick's 2022 U20 squad, featured in the county’s pre-season panel earlier this year. Jimmy Quilty, another standout from that U20 team, has also previously been involved with John Kiely’s side.