Limerick hurlers to begin Munster Senior Hurling League campaign in January

THE LIMERICK senior hurlers will begin their Co-Op Superstores Munster Senior Hurling League campaign against Clare on Saturday January 3 in Clare. Four days later, John Kiely's side will host Cork on Wednesday January 7 at 7pm in a Limerick venue. 

Limerick have been drawn in Group B alongside Cork and Clare. Meanwhile All-Ireland champions Tipperary will face Waterford and Kerry in Group A. The teams that top Group A and B will face off in the Munster senior hurling league on Saturday January 17. 

Last year, the Munster senior hurling league did not take place but Munster GAA have made the decision to re-introduce the provincial pre-season competition in 2026. 

Limerick are set to take on great rivals Tipperary in a special challenge game in support of the Dillon Quirke Foundation next month. The game will take place as part of the inaugural Champions Under Lights event at Fethard Town Park on Saturday, December 13 at 6pm. 

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There has been plenty of change to the Limerick senior hurling squad for the 2026 season in recent weeks. Former Limerick senior hurling captain Declan Hannon has announced his inter-county retirement. Shane Dowling and Seamus Flanagan won't be involved with the Shannonsiders in 2026. 

Dowling has opted to step away from the Limerick senior squad for 2026, while Flanagan has not been included in the Limerick senior hurling squad by John Kiely. 

Jason Gillane, Micheál Houlihan, Fergal O'Connor and Cian Scully have also been released from the panel. 

Meanwhile, the Limerick senior footballers will begin their McGrath Cup at home on Friday January 2 against Tipperary at 7pm. Jimmy Lee's charges will then travel to Cork on Sunday January 11 at 2pm.

Limerick will be without Iain Corbett in 2026 as the Newcastle West clubman has decided to retire from inter-county football. Goalkeeper Josh Ryan looks set for a spell on the sidelines after he suffered an ACL injury in the Limerick SFC relegation semi-final in action for his club Oola in action against Ballylanders.