Limerick's fixtures taking shape for 2026 National Hurling League campaign

THE LIMERICK senior hurlers look set to play three games at home and three games away from home in the 2026 Allianz Hurling League. 

In the opening weekend of the National Hurling League on January 24/25 John Kiely's side will have a bye. The Irish Examiner have released the fixtures for the 2026 Division 1A National Hurling League. These fixtures are provisional fixtures and counties have the opportunity to request changes to these fixtures. 

Limerick travel to Waterford on February 1 where they will begin their National Hurling League campaign. The Shannonsiders will then be at home against Kilkenny in the TUS Gaelic Grounds on February 7/8. 

Kiely's side will then make the trip to FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles to take on All-Ireland champions Tipperary on February 21/22. 

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On February 28/March 1, Limerick face Offaly in O'Connor Park Tullamore. The 2023 All-Ireland champions will finish off their Division 1A league campaign against Cork on March 7/8 and against Galway on March 21 at the Ennis road venue. 

The top two teams in Division 1A will meet in the National Hurling League final on April 4/5. 

Before the Allianz Hurling League, Limerick will begin their Co-Op Superstores Munster Senior Hurling League campaign against Clare on Saturday January 3 in Clare. Four days later, they will host Cork on Wednesday January 7 at 7pm in a Limerick venue. 

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. 

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

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.