Nine changes to Limerick team ahead of Cork Munster Senior Hurling League clash

Much-changed Limerick team announced to face Cork in the 2026 Munster Senior Hurling League. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick

John Kiely has announced nine changes to the starting lineup ahead of this evening’s 2026 Munster Senior Hurling League clash with Cork at the TUS Gaelic Grounds

John Kiely has announced the squad to face Cork at the TUS Gaelic Grounds in the Munster Senior Hurling League round two clash, as the Treaty team hope to bounce back following a defeat to Clare in the opening game.

With throw-in set for 7:35 pm on Wednesday, January 7, John Kiely announced nine changes to the starting lineup following the opening game which saw Limerick suffer a narrow defeat 3-20 to 3-18 in the opening weekend.

Colin Ryan will remain in goal with Eddie Stokes, Darragh O’Donovan, John English, Tom Morrissey and Donnacha Ó Dálaigh all retaining their place in the starting 15.

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Supporters will be happy to see captain Cian Lynch return alongside other key players such as Barry Murphy, Sean Finn, William O’Donoghue, Peter Casey and Gearóid Hegarty. As well as the returning veterans, Kiely has given the nod to some new faces with Matthew Fitzgerald of Monaleen and Chris Thomas of Doon named among the starting 15 for their debut competitive starts for the senior hurling team.

A busy period in hurling sees the changes made, giving other players opportunities due to the panel missing 13 members with Fitzgibbon Cup commitments, with players representing University of Limerick, Mary Immaculate College, and University College Cork.

The Limerick squad will be hoping for a positive response to the opening weekend’s loss to Clare, where they had shown strong periods of play while taking scores efficiently, which were undone by late scores and a last-minute penalty.

Speaking following the game, Kiely said, “ We were disappointed against Tipperary with our shooting, that was a point of focus for us coming into the game today. And to be fair, I think the lads did really well. We probably would’ve liked to get a few more shots off in the first half, but that was predicated by the amount of possession that we actually had.

“But overall, I think the boys are in good shape, worked really hard, a good few lads getting an opportunity there today as well. So that’s important. We had a nice variety of players between those that are experienced and those that are after joining the group in the last 12 months.”

The starting 15 to face Cork are Colin Ryan in goal, a back line of Barry Murphy, Sean Finn, and Eddie Stokes; with Chris Thomas, William O’Donoghue, and Matthew Fitzgerald in the half-back line; captain Cian Lynch returns alongside Darragh O’Donovan in midfield; the half-forward line is made up of John English, Peter Casey, and Tom Morrissey; with Donnacha Ó Dálaigh, Gearoid Hegarty, and Paddy O’Donovan leading the attack.