After Limerick’s recent victory in the Allianz League, it’s time to face the giant of the GAA, the All-Ireland championship.
Following a defeat to Dublin in the quarterfinals in 2025, the Limerick Senior panel hope to build on a successful league campaign with the aim of returning to Croke Park for the first time in three years.
They kick off their championship campaign in two weeks’ time against Cork in Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Speaking to the Limerick Voice, freelance sports reporter Tom Clancy believes Limerick have as good a chance as any this time around.
He said, “the league has shown year in year out it’s a good yardstick for what’s to come, but it isn’t the be-all and end-all and certainly Cork didn’t put their best foot forward the last day out.
“While I agree Limerick are probably near enough the top of the mountain, I don’t think they’re streaks ahead of All-Ireland champions Tipperary or Cork.
“Limerick are obviously quite a good team still but there’s definitely enough sharks in the tank to take them out as well.
“They seem laser focused on getting back towards the summit again in 2026.”
Limerick will return to Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on April 26th to face Cork again, and Cork will have to change their approach if they want a victory.
The last clash between the counties ended with Cork trailing by 6 points in the League final, with Aaron Gillane being named Man of the Match.
Speaking on the league final, Clancy, who has been covering the game for more than 13 years, said, “someone like Gillane, it’s easier said than done stopping him.
“Cork’s Sean O’Donoghue seemed to pick up an injury the last day, he seems to struggle against Aaron Gillane so almost by default it looks like they’ll have to change their approach there, I think it’s more than likely we see Ciaran Joyce marking him.”
Unlike their upcoming opponents, Limerick emerged from the league campaign relatively healthy and Clancy believes the key to this continued performance is to keep the team at “the peak of their health and peak of their performance.”
Thinking ahead to Croke Park, Clancy predictably picked out last year’s victors as Limerick’s biggest challenge.
He said, “I genuinely think Tipperary are the biggest danger, because they are the All-Ireland champs and with good reason.
“Limerick have struggled at different times with Tipperary’s challenge and Cork are not to be ignored either, but I think having the benefit of a physical break coming into that game is a huge advantage.”
After facing Cork, Limerick are lined up to play Clare, Waterford, and Tipperary in a hectic schedule across five weeks.