Limerick SHC champions face current All-Ireland holders.
LIMERICK Senior Hurling Champions Kilmallock face one of the toughest tests in club hurling this weekend as they travel to Walsh Park to face Ballygunner in the Munster Championship Semi-Final.
The Limerick champions return to the provincial stage for the first time since 2021, with manager James Hickey and his management team hoping for a different outcome this time around after suffering a heavy defeat to Ballygunner in a delayed provincial final that year.
The Balbec come into the game off the back of a stunning 3-19 to 1-22 victory over Na Piarsaigh last month.
Club Secretary Denise Ryan told the Limerick Voice that there is “a huge sense of pride and excitement around the club”
“Winning the County Final was a fantastic achievement, but what makes it even more special is the opportunity to represent our club, our parish and Limerick on the Munster stage.”
She added, “We know the calibre of opposition we are facing. Ballygunner are an outstanding team, but we have enormous belief in our own players and management. Their dedication, resilience and commitment to the green and white jersey have been exceptional.”
The 13-in-a-row Waterford champions Ballygunner come into this semi-final having not played a competitive game in over two months. However, this did not prove a problem last year, as Ballygunner beat Na Piarsaigh at the same stage of the competition before going on to claim their second All-Ireland title.
Denise Ryan added that there is a real sense of occasion around the town
“There is a real buzz around the town, and it’s wonderful to see the whole community getting behind the team. These are the days that make all the hard work, both on and off the field, worthwhile.”
“Whatever Sunday brings, we are immensely proud of this group of players. They have given us a year to remember, and we hope there is still another chapter to be written.”
Throw-in at Azzuri Park is at 1:15 pm on Sunday afternoon.
Unfortunately for many Limerick followers, the match will not be broadcast live on TG4. Clubber holds the rights to show the Munster Club Championship and are set to stream the game instead.
The other Munster Hurling Semi-Final between Thurles Sarsfields and Clare champions Inagh-Kilnamona is live on TG4.
