Five selection headaches for John Kiely ahead of Limerick's clash against Waterford

JOHN Kiely’s starting XV against Tipperary in the Munster Championship opener sparked plenty of discussion. It will be intriguing to see if Kiely decides to shake up his starting XV for the clash with Waterford this weekend.

Limerick are aiming their first victory of the Munster Senior Hurling Championship this Saturday, while Waterford had an impressive victory over All-Ireland champions Clare last weekend. 

1. Full back line 

One of the biggest surprises from Limerick’s opening round clash at Semple Stadium was the absence of Dan Morrissey. A model of consistency at full back in recent years, the Ahane man’s omission raised eyebrows. Will John Kiely look to reintroduce him into the full back line? Barry Murphy, Mike Casey, and Barry Nash all impressed in Limerick's draw with Tipperary, but there’s room for reshuffling. Nash could be pushed out to the half back line, with Casey moving to the corner and Morrissey returning to his familiar position at full back. Bruff's Sean Finn will also be eager to make his first apperance of the Munster SHC this weekend. 

2. Will William O'Donoghue stay at number six?

William O'Donoghue made the switch back to number six, while Kyle Hayes was pushed into the Limerick attack.
O'Donoghue previously lined out in the Limerick defence on the Shannonsiders’ run to the 2022 All-Ireland SHC title. The Na Piarsaigh clubman featured in the half back line on his club's run to the senior hurling final last year. Limerick face a key decision on whether to retain O'Donoghue in defence or shift the Caherdavin native back into his more familiar role in midfield.

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3. Could Darragh O'Donovan feature this weekend? 

The past year has been a frustrating one for Darragh O'Donovan in a Limerick jersey. The Doon man battled injury throughout last season’s inter-county championship, with his last championship start for the Shannonsiders dating back to 2023. However, he enjoyed a standout club campaign, playing a pivotal role in guiding Doon to their historic first-ever Senior Hurling Championship title. O'Donovan also caught the eye in Limerick’s final Allianz Hurling League outing against Wexford, showcasing the kind of energy around the middle third that John Kiely's side has sorely missed. It's quite possible that Kiely will give O'Donovan some gametime in Walsh Park on Saturday evening. 

4. Limerick's attack

Kiely went with the half forward line of Gearoid Hegarty, Kyle Hayes and Tom Morrissey and a full foward line of Aaron Gillane, Shane O'Brien and David Reidy in round one. Kyle Hayes started out his inter-county career in attack in 2018 but the Kildimo-Pallaskenry man has played most of inter-county career at wing back. Hayes steadily found his rhythm against Tipperary, securing several crucial possessions in the second half.

Kilmallock clubman Shane O'Brien impressed in his second start for Limerick in the Munster SHC. 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 in his side's draw with Tipp. Aaron Gillane and Shane O'Brien are starting to develop a relationship as a potent two-man full-forward line. O'Brien now looks as if he has nailed down a start in round two of the Munster SHC against Waterford.

Ballybrown native Aidan O'Connor and Peter Casey made appearances off the bench in Thurles. It was Casey's first appearance in the Munster championship since his nasty ankle break last year in the Munster SHC. O'Connor won a vital free in the closing stages against Tipp and it looks as if he will push for a spot on the starting XV this weekend. 

5. Injuries 

Cathal O'Neill missed Limerick's opening round Munster SHC fixtures through injury. Limerick will be hoping that O'Neill will be fit for this weekend's encounter with Waterford. The UL student produced some breathtaking performances throughout the Allianz Hurling League. Declan Hannon missed all of the league through injury. Hannon and Seamus Flanagan were not part of the 26 man panel in round one. All three players will be hoping to be involved this weekend.