Sunday January 29

Co-op Superstores.ie Munster Hurling League Final

Limerick v Cork, Gaelic Grounds, 2pm

With the emphasis placed on experimentation and searching for new talent, both Limerick and Cork have gleaned positives from January so far.

Limerick’s only blip occurred a fortnight ago when Cork netted seven goals at the Gaelic Grounds during a surprisingly comfortable win.

New Limerick boss John Kiely offered an honest post match assessment that afternoon. ”We knew we were going to be under pressure because that starting 15 for Cork would be not too far off what they will have when it comes to the National Hurling League, but at the same time we would have expected much much more from our guys.

“We got caught one-on-one and we were out-fielded in the scoring zone and when they ran at us we didn’t get tackles in so from a defensive point of view that wasn’t good enough.”

In four games Cork, with Shane Kingston making a good impression alongside the potent Patrick Horgan, have struck 8-94.

Manager Kieran Kingston is eager to afford youngsters an opportunity to shine with Wednesday’s win against Clare at Sixmilebridge another favourable result.

Level at 0-12 each in that contest Cork pulled clear when it mattered with Conor Lehane and Daniel Kearney occupying important roles.

Despite losing to Cork, Kiely’s Limerick beat Waterford, Clare, and Kerry with decent displays produced in those three successes.

Diarmuid Byrnes remains adept at landing long range scores, from play and frees, while Barry Nash and John Fitzgibbon have featured prominently.

With the Allianz Hurling League looming, Limerick won’t be as accommodating as they were when these teams last collided.