Limerick hurlers: A player-by-player guide to the 37-man panel

Cian Lynch (Patrickswell): The Limerick captain missed the trip to Ennis to face Clare in the round robin after being sent off against Cork in round 1. Showed his leadership after starting the move that resulted in the crucial goal against the same opponents in Croke Park. Expected to be able to play a full part in the All-Ireland final after being a second half sub in the semi-final.

Will O’Donoghue (Na Piarsaigh): The vice-captain led the Limerick team in the pre-match parade in Croke Park with Lynch starting on the bench. His move from midfield to centre back has worked extremely well in 2026.

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Nickie Quaid (Effin): The dead rubber against Clare in the round robin last year was the only championship match under Kiely that the Effin has hasn’t started wearing number 1. Ever-present in the Allianz Hurling League this year too.

Sean Finn (Bruff): Four-time All-Star Finn is one of the players who was first drafted into the Limerick panel by former manager TJ Ryan. The Bruff man is played six of the seven league games and every Championship game in 2026.

Barry Nash (South Liberties): The former forward has been almost an ever-present in defence since the pandemic. A consistent performer, a point against Clare in Croke Park proved he never forgot where the posts were.

Diarmaid Byrnes (Patrickswell): Back to his best in 2026. The 2022 Hurler of the Year is having a superb season. The long-range point against Clare in the second half a trademark Byrnes score.

Adam English (Doon): English has started every game in league and championship this season until the Munster final. Wasn’t originally named to start the semi-final last time out but came in for Cian Lynch. Sunday will be his first All-Ireland final appearance.

Darragh O’Donovan (Doon): One of 10 players available for John Kiely this Sunday who have started each of the five All-Ireland final since the Galbally man took over. Runs the show at midfield.

Gearóid Hegarty (St Patrick’s): Another who has started every game this year and every All-Ireland final since ‘18. Man of the match last time out, one of the first names on the team-sheet.

Shane O’Brien (Kilmallock): 0-6 from play against Tipperary in the league, the best return for ‘The Bull’. The match against the same opposition was the only championship the Kilmallock man didn’t start.

Aidan O’Connor (Ballybrown): Etched his name into Limerick folklore with the goal that secured the snatch-and-grab win against Clare. Took free-taking duties off Aaron Gillane this season.

Mike Casey (Na Piarsaigh): Started three championship matches so far this season, but a fourth All-Ireland final appearance for the Na Piarsaigh man may have to come off the bench.

David Reidy (Dromin-Athlacca): Started the four-in-a-row clinching 2023 All-Ireland final after coming in off the bench in the previous three deciders. Has been a used substitute in each of the last five games after starting against Cork.

Aaron Gillane (Patrickswell): Injury meant Gillane sat out the first two rounds of the Munster Championship. Taken off in the last two games but still a potential match-winner for Limerick.

Peter Casey (Na Piarsaigh): Casey has been involved in Limerick’s previous five All-Ireland finals

Cathal O’Neill (Crecora-Manister): In line to start an All-Ireland final for the first time having been a substitute in 2022 and ‘23.

Dan Morrissey (Ahane): In line to start a sixth All-Ireland final, Dan won his place back on the edge of the square having only played 12 minutes of the first two championship games this year.

Kyle Hayes (Kildimo-Pallaskeny): The five-time All-Star played all but the last 10 minutes against Tipperary in the Championship. A key part of the half-back line that have been the foundation for Limerick this season. Man of the match in the 2018 final.

Tom Morrissey (Ahane): Like Gearóid Hegarty, Morrissey has started five All-Ireland finals at wing-forward. The man who won three All-Stars in four years has a new role this season and may have to be content with starting on the bench this Sunday.

Matthew Fitzgerald (Monaleen): Showed great promise in the first half of the league campaign featuring in the first four games. Yet to make his championship debut but surely a matter of when, not if, for the U20 player.

Donnacha O Dalaigh (Monaleen): Scored 0-5 in the league but hasn’t featured in Championship 2026. A goal against Clare in the 2024 Munster Championship showed he has the ability.

Colin Coughlan (Ballybrown): Came on as a sub in the 2021 final but chances haven’t been too plentiful. Struggling to get gametime in a half-back line of Byrnes, O’Donoghue and Hayes.

Ethan Hurley (Newcastle West): Has made five substitute appearances in league and championship this season. His introduction in the round robin clash in Ennis made him the first Newcastle West man to play Championship hurling since 1950.

Paddy O’Donovan (Effin): Made substitute appearances in the League matches against Waterford, Kilkenny and Galway. Scored 0-2 in his only start – January’s Munster Hurling League win over Cork.

Hugh Flanagan (Garryspillane): Started the first two league games against Waterford and Kilkenny and came on in two further matches. Made a late championship appearance against Clare in the round robin.

Joe Fitzgerald (Monaleen): Two sub appearances in the league against Waterford and Tipperary. Started the Munster Hurling League final at midfield alongside Darragh O’Donovan. One for the future.

Oisin O’Farrell (Askeaton-Ballysteen-Kilcornan): Two brief league appearances this year for O’Farrell but shone for Mary Immaculate in the Fitzgibbon Cup, scoring four goals against SETU Waterford.

Fintan Fitzgerald (Mungret-St Paul’s): Two Championship appearances - both late cameos against Clare. Got a point in the 15-point success in Ennis.

Darragh Langan (Monaleen): Two Munster League and two National League appearances for the 2022 minor captain. A start against Galway in what was a de-facto league semi-final shows he is highly regarded in the Limerick camp.

Eddie Stokes (Doon): Played all three Munster Hurling League games but suffered injury troubles throughout the year.

John English (Garryspillane): Like Stokes, English was ever-present in January but didn’t feature in national league or championship. Will be playing senior club hurling in 2026 where he can show what he can do.

James Finn (Na Piarsaigh): His only appearance came against Cork in the Munster Hurling League on January 7.

Vincent Harrington (Na Piarsaigh): Made two appearances in the Munster Hurling League.

Colin Ryan (Pallasgreen): Played all three Munster Hurling League games but the former outfield player is waiting for an National League or championship debut between the sticks.

James Coughlan (Ballybrown): The only outfield player to see no gametime including the Munster Senior League, the U20 player has had to be patient for his opportunity.

Fionn O’Brien (Bruree): The third choice goalkeeper was on the UCC Fitzgibbon panel and while has not seen game-time at senior level for Limerick is one for the future.

Sean Casey (Bruff): Not named on the initial 36-man panel ahead of the National Hurling League but is in training with the squad as he continues rehabilitation from a long-term injury.