'Magnificent seven' the target for Limerick hurlers in provincial showdown

THE LIMERICK senior hurlers are chasing a remarkable seventh consecutive Munster Senior Hurling Championship title this Saturday evening.

Having made history last year as the first county in Munster to claim six provincial crowns in a row, Limerick now have the chance to further cement their status as the province’s greatest-ever side.

John Kiely’s side will welcome Cork to the TUS Gaelic Grounds for a blockbuster showdown, with throw-in set for 6pm. The Mick Mackey Cup was first presented in 2022 and is yet to leave Limerick and Cian Lynch and team-mates will be anxious to ensure the trophy in honour of the famed Castleconnell man resides on Shannonside for at least one more year.

It’s a 53rd ever provincial senior decider for the men in green and white with 25 victories to date. Saturday will be the 22nd final meeting of these counties - since the first clash of 1893 Cork have won 15 and Limerick six. A replay was needed in 1944 with The Rebels winning on both occasions.

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This June 7 final will be just the fourth decider between the counties in Limerick - Cork winners in 1919 in the Markets Field and in the Gaelic Grounds in 1975 and of course John Allen’s Limerick claiming honours in 2013 at the Ennis Road venue. The last final meeting was in 2014 - the day Cork said good-bye to the old Pairc Ui Chaoimh in style.

Nickie Quaid, Declan Hannon, Shane Dowling (Limerick) and Damien Cahalane, Conor Lehane, Seamus Harnedy and Patrick Horgan (Cork) all played back ‘14 and remain central to their respective inter-county set-ups.

A victory over Cork for the Cian Lynch captained side will put Limerick into the All-Ireland SHC semi-final on Saturday, July 5 in Croke Park, while a defeat will mean John Kiely's side will join the All-Ireland series at the quarter-final stage on June 21 against Dublin or the losing side from the Joe McDonagh Cup final between Laois and Kildare.