Munster the sole priority for Limerick and Cork says Graeme Mulcahy

THIS SUNDAY will provide a unique set of circmstances for former Limerick hurler Graeme Mulcahy. Mulcahy has lived in Cork for the last number of years even when he was playing for Limerick senior hurlers. It has been a new experience for him to experience the levels of hype and excitement on Leeside since he has retired.

“Especially around the League final there, there was huge hype down in Cork. They got put to the pin of the collar by Clare and were probably lucky to get a result. Maybe that's brought a bit of realism back to Cork,” said Graeme Mulcahy.

The former Limerick hurler has been impressed by the way Cork have been able to score goals this year. Pat Ryan's side racked up 18 goals throughout the Allianz Hurling League and ‘the Rebels’ have hit six goals so far in the Munster senior hurling championship.

“The result against Tipperary, they really showed their class again. They seem to be able to just turn it on, get goals and blitz teams. That's put the excitement back in Cork people and the hype will start to build again.”

Mulcahy feels that we will know more about this Cork team after this weekend.

“The game against Limerick will be a real telling point for this Cork team. Even though I know they beat us last year twice, I think if they can get a result down in the Gaelic Grounds, you'll see the hype pick back up again.”

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The former Limerick hurler has been impressed by the way the fringe players have stepped up this year.

“It's great to see it, you've the likes of Colin Coughlan pushing through, he's been very good inside the group over the last few years. I've witnessed that and in any A vs B games he has really excellent.

“You've Adam English breaking through now, he's a ball of energy around the middle, Shane O'Brien is a phenomenal talent. If Limerick can keep him fit, he could be the real difference for Limerick this year. 

“You've the likes of Barry Murphy who made his championship debut at corner forward. It's great to see him have a new lease of life at corner back.

“I think it freshens things up and it keeps guys on their toes. Hopefully, in the next couple of weeks, Limerick will be in a very strong position.”

Despite the early season form of both Limerick and Cork, the Kilmallock hurler isn't buying that it is a forgone conclusion that the counties will meet later in the year.

“Absolutely not, I think both these teams will be focused on getting out of Munster. I don't think you can look past your next game in Munster, I do fancy both teams to get out of Munster. I see Kilkenny as a potential stumbling block for both teams.”

Kilkenny are very strong contenders for this year's All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship according to the five time All-Ireland winner.

“I think the way Leinster is shaping up, Kilkenny will just go about their business quietly, get to a Leinster final.

“They won't be overly worried about Leinster and they'll come into the All-Ireland series primed nicely having not been overly-tested.I see them as one of my favourites outside of Limerick and Cork.”

2025 has been a new dynamic for Graeme Mulcahy where he is solely focussed on club hurling. James Hickey has replaced Peter Queally as manager of Kilmallock this year. Hickey was part of Queally's management team last year.

“It's nice to be there at the start of the year, I played the first league game and I actually tore my quad after the first training session. I took a few weeks out but I'm back again now. I played a game against Garryspillane, it was first time playing over in Knocklong in a long time. It's very different and it's a lot more relaxed.”

Mulcahy started out his inter-county hurling career in 2009. He went on to win seven Munster titles for the Shannonsiders. 2013 was the first time he won a provincial title. Nickie Quaid, David Reidy and Declan Hannon remain the only survivors from the Limerick 2013 team on this year's squad.

Limerick ended a 17-year drought for the Munster title in 2013 when they defeated Cork in the provincial final. Patrick Horgan, Seamus Harnedy and Conor Lehane remain the only survivors from that Cork side. In 2013, it was Cork native John Allen who led Limerick to provincial hurling final success and since then Limerick have experienced unprecedented levels of success.