Cathal O'Neill predicts 'hell of a battle' as Limerick open Munster SHC against Clare

EXCITING Limerick star Cathal O'Neill is predicting a ‘hell of a battle’ in Cusack Park, Ennis this Sunday as John Kiely's charges open the defence of their Munster title with a eagerly-anticipated clash with great rivals Clare.

Crecora-Manister clubman O'Neill, who has featured in defence as well as attack for the Shannonsiders, says newly-crowned league champions Clare are ‘probably the in-form team’ in hurling at the moment.

Speaking at the launch of the Limerick Leader's GAA coverage partnership with PPS Financial Planning, O'Neill said: “Excited for the game with Clare, it is going to be a massive challenge obviously, playing them in Ennis.

“Clare are probably the in-form team in the country at the moment, so we will know where we are at after that game. Clare are always really hard-working, really skilful and have forwards that can hurt you.”

In August of 2018, 16-year-old O’Neill was on Hill 16 looking down on a joyous scene as Limerick ended their 45-year wait for an All-Ireland title.

In the spring of 2021, the then-18-year-old was called into Limerick's senior set-up.

2022 saw the versatile O'Neill make his first championship start and rack up seven points off the bench as Limerick retained the Liam MacCarthy.

Last year saw O'Neill feature more regularly in Limerick's championship starting line-up.

Limerick open the defence of their provincial title this weekend, before Tipperary visit the TUS Gaelic Grounds just a week later for another mouth-watering round robin fixture on Sunday, April 28, throw-in 4pm.

With just three of the five teams in Munster's round robin competition set to advance to the All-Ireland series, the games promise to be fiercely competitive.

O'Neill said: “Munster is just so competitive, you can't take any game for granted. You are only looking at it week by week trying to survive and get in that top three. That is purely our focus, our focus is on the first round against Clare in Ennis.”

Competition within the Limerick squad for gametime is fierce. O'Neill added: “The competition in the squad is brilliant. Training has been so competitive, it's brilliant. Lads are really chomping at the bit to make that team or make the 26.”