Kyle Hayes, Aaron Gillane, and Tom Morrissey drop out with only the latter on the bench
John Kiely has named his Limerick side to take on Kilkenny in their rescheduled round four Allianz Hurling League clash on Saturday (3.30 pm throw-in at UPMC Nowlan Park).
The injured Kyle Hayes drops out from last weekend’s win against Galway alongside Aaron Gillane and Tom Morrissey. They are replaced by David Reidy, Gearoid Hegarty, and Shane O’Brien.
For Limerick, a win in their final two games against Kilkenny and Wexford will put them in a strong position to reach the league final on nine points. Equally, a Cork win against Galway in the final round would also move the Rebels to nine points.
Scoring difference could then decide which team advances to the league final as the sides drew in round two of the league. Pat Ryan’s side has a scoring difference of +29, with Limerick at +13. Tipperary are also in a strong position – needing only a final round win v Clare to qualify and a scoring difference of +27.
Shane Dowling is retained in goal as he attempts to win the battle for the number one jersey. He will have a familiar full back line in front of him with Sean Finn, Mike Casey, and Barry Murphy retained.
Colin Coughlan and Barry Nash keep their places at half back and will be at the either side of William O’Donoghue, who drops back from midfield to replace the injured Hayes.
In midfield, Cian Lynch takes O’Donoghues place to partner the in-form Adam English while in the half forward line David Reidy and Gearoid Hegarty come into the team alongside Cathal O’Neill.
Rounding out the team in the full forward line are Shane O’Brien, Seamus Flanagan, and Aidan O’Connor.
On the bench, Tom Morrissey, Patrick O’Donovan, and Eddie Stokes are likely to feature, while Vince Harrington and Ethan Hurley will provide cover in the backline.
Kilkenny, meanwhile, come into the match on the back of a 1-19 to 2-25 loss to Tipperary. The Cats received three red cards during the contest, continuing their unwanted trend of not winning a home game this year in the process.
Limerick
1. Shane Dowling (Na Piarsaigh), 2. Sean Finn (Bruff), 3. Mike Casey (Na Piarsaigh), 4. Barry Murphy (Doon), 5. Colin Coughlan (Ballybrown), 6. William O’Donoghue (Na Piarsaigh), 7. Barry Nash (South Liberties), 8. Adam English (Doon), 9. Cian Lynch (Patrickswell) Captain, 10. Gearoid Hegarty (St. Patricks), 11. David Reidy (Dromin/Athlacca), 12. Cathal O’Neill (Crecora/Manister), 13. Shane O’Brien (Kilmallock), 14. Seamus Flanagan (Feohanagh/Castlemahon), 15. Aidan O’Connor (Ballybrown).
Substitutes
16. Jason Gillane (Patrickswell), 17. Vincent Harrington (Na Piarsaigh), 18. Michael Houlihan (Kilmallock), 19. Ethan Hurley (Newcastlewest), 20. Tom Morrissey (Ahane), 21. Fergal O’Connor (Effin), 22. Donnacha Ó Dálaigh (Monaleen), 23. Patrick O’Donovan (Effin), 24. Oisin O’Farrell (Askeaton/Ballysteen/Kilcornan), 25. Cian Scully (Dromin/Athlacca), 26. Eddie Stokes (Doon).