Limerick's Munster Hurling League hopes rests on outcome of Cork's clash with Clare tonight

LIMERICK senior hurlers and management team will be keeping a close eye on tonight's Co-Op Superstores Munster Senior Hurling League meeting of Cork and Clare, the result of which will determine whether John Kiely's charges progress to the final of the competition.

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Limerick keep their hopes of reaching the early season competition very much alive after securing an impressive 1-28 to 0-16 Group B victory over an inexperienced Cork side at the TÚS Gaelic Grounds on Wednesday evening last.

The Shanonsiders fielded a side which included a mix of more experienced and younger players.

Limerick has lost their opening Munster Hurling League fixture to Clare in Tulla. Should Clare win or draw in their group meeting with Cork in Mallow tonight, 7pm, then Brian Lohan's side will progress to the Munster Hurling League final.

However, should Cork secure victory in tonight's game then the Leesiders, Clare and Limerick will all be on two points and scoring difference will determine which county progresses to the decider. Limerick are well placed on that front following their big victory over Cork at the TÚS Gaelic Grounds.

Asked about the possibility of Limerick reaching the Co-Op Superstores Munster League final, manager John Kiely said: "I'd only be delighted to be honest, we have to wait and see what happens on Monday, but we've done our best.

"We could've gotten a win over in the first round but we were just pipped at the post by Clare, we've put our best foot forward in the competition, it's been very valuable to us, we got a great workout tonight.

"We were thrilled to see the Under 20s who came in to give us a hand with the numbers tonight in John O'Connor, Jack Cosgrave and James Finn, they're the guys who are the future for Limerick."

The final of the Co-Op Superstores Munster Hurling League is due to take place on Saturday next, January 17 at 3.15pm.

Kiely said the team's preparations for the Allianz Huring League would be ramping up in the coming weeks.

"We’re in pretty good shape in terms of injuries at the minute, it's been very good but the real stuff starts now in the next four weeks and we've a good run now to get ready for the league.

"We have a bye in the first round of the league so for the next four weeks we're really going to put our shoulder to the wheel and work hard. There's a great appetite within the group to do that.

"The attitude and the desire that you would be looking for is there within the group at the minute and we just need to make sure we put the right amount of work in front of them and just trust in that process that we'll get there," Kiely concluded.