Limerick star William O’Donoghue hopes John Kiely's men can make up for the disappointment of losing last year’s All-Ireland SHC semi-final to Kilkenny in the months ahead.

The Treaty County backed up their first Liam MacCarthy Cup success in 45 years with league and Munster titles in 2019 but were founding wanting in their penultimate stage clash with the Cats.

“People talk about that semi-final as if we were robbed,” he told The Irish Independent ahead of Saturday’s eagerly anticipated HL Division 1 clash with Tipperary in Semple Stadium (5.15pm).

“We were beaten in that semi-final by a Kilkenny team who are incredibly talented, and have one of the best managers of all time and had a fantastic work-rate.

“Kilkenny probably don't get enough credit for their performance that day, people are acting as if we just didn't turn up or didn't want it. And Kilkenny happen to take it. But look at those 15 minutes, look at their tackle count, their work-rate, they were 1-8 to 0-2 up because they deserved to be.

“It wasn't through lack of respect for an All-Ireland final, we have only won one All-Ireland in 45 years, we certainly weren't tuning out or not paying it as much respect.

“There are several teams in this championship and league who are capable of beating each other.”

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