2025 was Limerick’s first trophyless season in eight years, as they succumbed to defeat against Cork in the Munster Hurling Final and bowed out of the All-Ireland series at the quarter-final stage to Dublin.
Can John Kiely’s men have another crack at Liam McCarthy this year, two years after their last success? I’ve asked a panel of former players and hurling experts to come together and have their say ahead of the 2026 season.
2017 Hurler of the Year Joe Canning has his say on the year ahead, as does Limerick’s five-time All-Ireland winner Graeme Mulcahy. You will also hear insight from Maurice Brosnan, senior sportswriter for the Irish Examiner.
Who will win Liam McCarthy in 2026?
Joe Canning: Cork, I think they have to win it this year after losing the last two finals. Ben O’Connor has been known for adding a bit of steel to his previous teams that he has been involved with, so I expect the same here.
Grame Mulcahy: A tossup between Limerick & Cork, I’m hoping Limerick can get back on top in 2026, but I’m going to say Cork. I think they will put the second half of the 2025 All Ireland Final behind them and bridge the 20+ year gap to winning Liam McCarthy. They have a strong squad, with a good balance in terms of experienced players and emerging talent. I think the new sports psychologist has a job on his hands in terms of putting that 35 minutes of the All-Ireland behind them, but that said I think they will use it to learn and be more agile particular in their tactile approach to games in 2026. They are reigning League & Munster champions and avoiding that second half capitulation, they would be holding all three titles, that can’t be overlooked.
Maurice Brosnan: There are so many flawed teams in the championship this year. That’s marvellous for the competition. Limerick have only lost one-score games since their All-Ireland in 2023. They’ve enough talent to come out on the right side of them this season.
Who will be provincial champions?
JC: Limerick & Galway. I think both must win their provincial championships this year. Obviously, the shortest route to an All-Ireland semi-final but just to get a bit of confidence back into both teams I think they will both be going all out for each cup.
GM: Limerick and Dublin. I think we will see a reinvigorated Limerick this year after the early exit from last year’s championship. None of the team have had long provincial club campaign either which is a positive for John Kiely in terms of giving lads the necessary down time to have them hungry for getting the hard work done early in the new year. I think with Darragh O’Donovan, and Cathal O’Neill back fit will be massive positives for Limerick and I expect both those players to have a huge impact for Limerick in 2026. I also have high expectations for Aidan O’Connor and Shane O’Brien this year and I think that pairing will light up the Munster Championship.
MB: Limerick’s seven-in-a-row title ambitions were only ended by penalties. In a phenomenally difficult championship to call, they have as good a chance as any. Kilkenny, due to the current standard of their competitors as much as anything else.
How will Limerick fare in 2026?
JC: I think they will win the Munster championship and then who knows after that. They can’t afford to lose any big players to injury like most teams, but they really need a few new players to nail down a starting jersey and put pressure on the lads that have been there the last eight or nine years now.
GM: Provincial winners & All Ireland runners-up.
MB: Extremely well. The two big requirements are a six who could inject some pace into their defence and some midfield depth. They have the raw material to fulfil both.
Who is your dark horse team for 2026?
JC: Dark Horse for 2026 is Waterford to get out of Munster. They have a few players back like Jack Fagan and Calum Lyon’s and if they win their first match against Cork in Walsh Park they could get huge confidence, and you never know what might happen after that.
GM: Waterford. They have struggled to make it out of Munster since the introduction of the round robin. I think this could be their year. The return of Calum Lyons will be a huge positive for Peter Queally. The key will be integrating back in the Ballygunner guys after another long club campaign. If they do that, they have every chance of progressing.
MB: Galway – It was a disappointing return for Micheál Donoghue out west but there is some exciting young prospects who can make their mark this year. Darren Morrissey is a fine choice as captain.
Who will win Hurler of the Year?
JC: Shane O’Brien. I think Limerick will go a long way and this guy could be the reason.
GM: Cathal O’Neill (Limerick). I know Cathal very well since coming into the Limerick Panel straight out of minor a few years back. He is an exceptional talent. He has been unfortunate with injury in 2025, but I expect him to put that behind him and explode in 2026. If Limerick are going to get back on top in 2026, Limerick need Cathal to the fore, his athleticism, his aerial ability, his striking, and his leadership make him a standout candidate for me.
MB: Cian Lynch. In nine of the previous years, the winner has been a member of the All-Ireland winning side and Limerick are my pick.
Who will win Young Hurler of the Year?
JC: Could it be a double for Shane O’Brien? Stranger things have happened.
MB: Oisín O’Donoghue. Three goals in the championship last year and doesn’t turn 20 until next year.