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Limerick Senior Hurling 2026

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Replying To Tadhg2020:  "You are being a bit selective there. Seamie started for the u21s iin 2016 and was a starter for the minors before that. He lost his place in 2017 alright but he had a body of work done at minor and u21 to fall back on.
Im not writing them off. However they didnt show leadership at u20 , and it was required, which im expressing concern about. I think Jack Cosgrave, for example, has a bright future ahead of him but as a forward and not a wing back."
how am i been selective its you that brought it up and started comparing hugh flanagan to seamus. im stating the facts of it.

munsterchamps (Limerick) - Posts: 1155 - 29/04/2026 15:06:03    2669784

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How do we feel about the Team for Sunday?

I imagine the only change will be O'Donovan for Lynch but I am wondering if there is would be a merit to putting in Tom Morrissey for Reidy? I think this could improve our scoring threat and Reidy has nearly always been a better impact sub (getting a couple of points when he comes off the bench) then a starter in my opinion

LimerickandProud (Limerick) - Posts: 247 - 29/04/2026 15:24:24    2669798

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Any concerns in Limerick hurling circles about your underage performances the past few years?
Bottom 2 the last 4 years.
Minors not making a Munster final since 2021 I think it was

Goreylad1985 (Wexford) - Posts: 38 - 29/04/2026 21:49:58    2669867

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Replying To Goreylad1985:  "Any concerns in Limerick hurling circles about your underage performances the past few years?
Bottom 2 the last 4 years.
Minors not making a Munster final since 2021 I think it was"
There is concern no doubt about it.

Some of the underage performances have been dire all together. This years under 20 were particularly disappointing given that a decision was taken last year to specifically go for younger players in the U20's with a view to a lot of them getting a second bite at the grade this year.

They looked physically small and were bullied off the ball by Cork, Tipperary and Waterford. Also they were trying to play similar style to the seniors but clearly lack the ability.

Same approach was taken with the minors last year (i.e. going for younger players) and this years team looks far more promising to me as a result.

LimerickandProud (Limerick) - Posts: 247 - 30/04/2026 10:54:35    2669940

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Replying To munsterchamps:  "how am i been selective its you that brought it up and started comparing hugh flanagan to seamus. im stating the facts of it."
My only comparison is that he lacks the pace and intensity of Seamus. Ive seen nothing in Hugh to suggest that he has that in his locker. Seamus led the line defensively and in terms of the intensity and aggression he brought. I dont see that in Hugh. Not in his underage career or in his cameos as a senior. We need someone to bring that to the table.
Seamus showed that, albeit not as a full forward, in his underage career. I meant selective in that yoi focused on 2017 and not the rest of his underage career. Nothing more.
I hope Hugh or someone else from that team proves me wrong. We need a seamie to come through.

Tadhg2020 (Limerick) - Posts: 293 - 30/04/2026 11:31:43    2669954

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Replying To LimerickandProud:  "How do we feel about the Team for Sunday?

I imagine the only change will be O'Donovan for Lynch but I am wondering if there is would be a merit to putting in Tom Morrissey for Reidy? I think this could improve our scoring threat and Reidy has nearly always been a better impact sub (getting a couple of points when he comes off the bench) then a starter in my opinion"
While id love to see Tom start he doesnt do the Reidy job. Reidy gets through so much work in games. Filling holes in defence, making tackles etc. Tom works hard but in a different way. I dont see Reidy coming out of team because of that work.

Tadhg2020 (Limerick) - Posts: 293 - 30/04/2026 11:34:05    2669957

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Replying To Goreylad1985:  "Any concerns in Limerick hurling circles about your underage performances the past few years?
Bottom 2 the last 4 years.
Minors not making a Munster final since 2021 I think it was"
In short, yes. At least in my circles. More about the coaches and their selection process and , in turn, the selection of players for the squads than the performance itself even though that's poor. Both are intrinsically linked so is the area of most concern atm my way.

Tadhg2020 (Limerick) - Posts: 293 - 30/04/2026 11:36:36    2669958

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Replying To Tadhg2020:  "In short, yes. At least in my circles. More about the coaches and their selection process and , in turn, the selection of players for the squads than the performance itself even though that's poor. Both are intrinsically linked so is the area of most concern atm my way."
4-Year Trend Analysis.
Across the last four Munster U20 campaigns, a very clear pattern has emerged, and it is one that underlines the consistency at the top and the struggles at the bottom. Tipperary, Cork, and Clare have completely dominated the province from 2023 through to 2026, occupying the top three positions in every single season.

Not only that, but in three of those four years, all three counties finished level or near level on points, with scoring difference ultimately deciding placings, highlighting just how tight and competitive that top tier has become.

In contrast, Limerick and Waterford have consistently fallen short. Limerick's returns read one win in 2025, one win in 2024, one win and a draw in 2023, and no wins at all in 2026, culminating in a -31 scoring difference this year alone. Waterford's record is even more stark, with just one draw in 2025 and one win in 2026 across the four-year span, and heavy negative scoring differences each season, including -37 in 2024 and -35 in 2023. The gap is not marginal, it is structural.

The top three are not just winning more games, they are consistently more efficient, more clinical, and significantly stronger in scoring difference. What we are seeing now is not a once-off cycle, but a sustained hierarchy in Munster underage hurling, with Tipperary, Cork, and Clare setting the standard, and Limerick and Waterford facing a growing challenge to close that gap.

Took this from Premierview, really makes for bad reading when looking at past few years, looking at U20 games this year we look very poorly prepared but also could not physically match any of the other teams

higgins (Limerick) - Posts: 260 - 30/04/2026 12:47:23    2669986

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Replying To higgins:  "4-Year Trend Analysis.
Across the last four Munster U20 campaigns, a very clear pattern has emerged, and it is one that underlines the consistency at the top and the struggles at the bottom. Tipperary, Cork, and Clare have completely dominated the province from 2023 through to 2026, occupying the top three positions in every single season.

Not only that, but in three of those four years, all three counties finished level or near level on points, with scoring difference ultimately deciding placings, highlighting just how tight and competitive that top tier has become.

In contrast, Limerick and Waterford have consistently fallen short. Limerick's returns read one win in 2025, one win in 2024, one win and a draw in 2023, and no wins at all in 2026, culminating in a -31 scoring difference this year alone. Waterford's record is even more stark, with just one draw in 2025 and one win in 2026 across the four-year span, and heavy negative scoring differences each season, including -37 in 2024 and -35 in 2023. The gap is not marginal, it is structural.

The top three are not just winning more games, they are consistently more efficient, more clinical, and significantly stronger in scoring difference. What we are seeing now is not a once-off cycle, but a sustained hierarchy in Munster underage hurling, with Tipperary, Cork, and Clare setting the standard, and Limerick and Waterford facing a growing challenge to close that gap.

Took this from Premierview, really makes for bad reading when looking at past few years, looking at U20 games this year we look very poorly prepared but also could not physically match any of the other teams"
Can't argue with the stats. It makes for grim reading. Hopefully alarm bells are ringing as big changes are definitely required.

Fitzy01 (Limerick) - Posts: 480 - 30/04/2026 16:17:59    2670031

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Replying To higgins:  "4-Year Trend Analysis.
Across the last four Munster U20 campaigns, a very clear pattern has emerged, and it is one that underlines the consistency at the top and the struggles at the bottom. Tipperary, Cork, and Clare have completely dominated the province from 2023 through to 2026, occupying the top three positions in every single season.

Not only that, but in three of those four years, all three counties finished level or near level on points, with scoring difference ultimately deciding placings, highlighting just how tight and competitive that top tier has become.

In contrast, Limerick and Waterford have consistently fallen short. Limerick's returns read one win in 2025, one win in 2024, one win and a draw in 2023, and no wins at all in 2026, culminating in a -31 scoring difference this year alone. Waterford's record is even more stark, with just one draw in 2025 and one win in 2026 across the four-year span, and heavy negative scoring differences each season, including -37 in 2024 and -35 in 2023. The gap is not marginal, it is structural.

The top three are not just winning more games, they are consistently more efficient, more clinical, and significantly stronger in scoring difference. What we are seeing now is not a once-off cycle, but a sustained hierarchy in Munster underage hurling, with Tipperary, Cork, and Clare setting the standard, and Limerick and Waterford facing a growing challenge to close that gap.

Took this from Premierview, really makes for bad reading when looking at past few years, looking at U20 games this year we look very poorly prepared but also could not physically match any of the other teams"
On the physicality side, I would say that its extremely difficult to compete physically when you are one and 2 years younger than the age grade you are playing. I think that a significant majority of this year's team and bench are underage again next year and at least one starter is underage for 2.

Are they significantly better than the players on the age that were overlooked? I cant comment on all the players not picked but the lads u20 that I know of that weren't i would say that the answer is no. The younger lads that wee picked are not better than the lads on the age that weren't. They may have more potential ( that is a matter for someone more qualified) but I've seen no real evidence of that to date. I know a few of the lads in both camps and I would have concerns about their commitment to their S+C work. They are all on the programs and for 4 to 6 years now but I dont see that materialising in any meaningful way. The ones that have tend to stand out.

Ultimately it appears that we may be spoiling our young players a bit too much. These are privileged young men who aren't currently delivering on the investment in them. They are very well looked after in every way possible which is as it should be. Are they taking it all for granted? I dont know the answer to that. On the other side of that country there is the coaching choices at u17 and u20 in particular. Are we putting the right people in charge of them? Im not sure we are. I think another root and branch review may be in order.

Tadhg2020 (Limerick) - Posts: 293 - 30/04/2026 16:57:05    2670038

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Replying To higgins:  "4-Year Trend Analysis.
Across the last four Munster U20 campaigns, a very clear pattern has emerged, and it is one that underlines the consistency at the top and the struggles at the bottom. Tipperary, Cork, and Clare have completely dominated the province from 2023 through to 2026, occupying the top three positions in every single season.

Not only that, but in three of those four years, all three counties finished level or near level on points, with scoring difference ultimately deciding placings, highlighting just how tight and competitive that top tier has become.

In contrast, Limerick and Waterford have consistently fallen short. Limerick's returns read one win in 2025, one win in 2024, one win and a draw in 2023, and no wins at all in 2026, culminating in a -31 scoring difference this year alone. Waterford's record is even more stark, with just one draw in 2025 and one win in 2026 across the four-year span, and heavy negative scoring differences each season, including -37 in 2024 and -35 in 2023. The gap is not marginal, it is structural.

The top three are not just winning more games, they are consistently more efficient, more clinical, and significantly stronger in scoring difference. What we are seeing now is not a once-off cycle, but a sustained hierarchy in Munster underage hurling, with Tipperary, Cork, and Clare setting the standard, and Limerick and Waterford facing a growing challenge to close that gap.

Took this from Premierview, really makes for bad reading when looking at past few years, looking at U20 games this year we look very poorly prepared but also could not physically match any of the other teams"
The Limerick, academy system his gone stale and needs a serious overhaul. Whether its structures, coaches or personnel changes needs to be figured out.

We are definitely behind in the S&C stakes compared to Cork, Tipperary, Clare and Waterford

Cork will always have a conveyor belt of talent coming through due to playing numbers and high quality of club competition even at the lower age groups. Tipperary have a tradition of always been able to reinvent themselves and bring through good minor and U20 teams with regularity. I don't think either of these models can be replicated easily.

What have Clare been doing? How have they reinvented their underage systems?

I think it goes back to the clubs. Who are winning the county underage titles? Why are they note having more representation in underage county teams?

From what I can, see much of the underage competitions are being won by the so called emerging "super clubs" (i.e. Na Pairsaigh, Monaleen and Mungret St. Pauls) but their representation on county underage teams is not reflecting the level of success or dominance they are having. I thinks the acadamies seem to be under estimating some of the talent there because they are in a stronger club team overall and its harder to stand out. I think a good player from a smaller club with smaller numbers (for example like Kildimo/Pallaskenry or Garryspillane) its easier to stand out as the pack is weaker.

LimerickandProud (Limerick) - Posts: 247 - 30/04/2026 16:57:47    2670039

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Looks like the team has been leaked for Saturday with Hego named at 13 and Tom Morrissey named in his usual position.

DOD into midfield with David Reidy on bench.

If thats the team, it looks like Route 1 ball for Sunday to test Clare full back line.

Would be delighted to get out of Ennis with a draw leaving some small bit of wriggle room for two home games

Sliothar73 (Limerick) - Posts: 11 - 30/04/2026 17:43:08    2670056

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Replying To LimerickandProud:  "The Limerick, academy system his gone stale and needs a serious overhaul. Whether its structures, coaches or personnel changes needs to be figured out.

We are definitely behind in the S&C stakes compared to Cork, Tipperary, Clare and Waterford

Cork will always have a conveyor belt of talent coming through due to playing numbers and high quality of club competition even at the lower age groups. Tipperary have a tradition of always been able to reinvent themselves and bring through good minor and U20 teams with regularity. I don't think either of these models can be replicated easily.

What have Clare been doing? How have they reinvented their underage systems?

I think it goes back to the clubs. Who are winning the county underage titles? Why are they note having more representation in underage county teams?

From what I can, see much of the underage competitions are being won by the so called emerging "super clubs" (i.e. Na Pairsaigh, Monaleen and Mungret St. Pauls) but their representation on county underage teams is not reflecting the level of success or dominance they are having. I thinks the acadamies seem to be under estimating some of the talent there because they are in a stronger club team overall and its harder to stand out. I think a good player from a smaller club with smaller numbers (for example like Kildimo/Pallaskenry or Garryspillane) its easier to stand out as the pack is weaker."
That wouldn't be the case in trials. You stand out, or you dont. The bigger clubs are winning underage titles because by pure weight of numbers they will have 15 or 20 stronger players. That doesn't mean the best of them are better than the strongest players from a smaller club, it only means the worst of them are better than the worst players on a smaller clubs underage team.
An issue then is that the bigger clubs might not put the coaching and developmental work in to the same extent, as they dont have to. And the players themselves at those clubs maybe dont have to push themselves as hard.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 19412 - 30/04/2026 19:33:37    2670068

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Replying To Sliothar73:  "Looks like the team has been leaked for Saturday with Hego named at 13 and Tom Morrissey named in his usual position.

DOD into midfield with David Reidy on bench.

If thats the team, it looks like Route 1 ball for Sunday to test Clare full back line.

Would be delighted to get out of Ennis with a draw leaving some small bit of wriggle room for two home games"
The minors were poor physically last night and tactically. They gave it everything tbf but seemed to lack cohesion and structure at vital times. They turned over a lot of ball under relatively little pressure too. The decisive one being the unforced fumble of the ball in possession in the middle of the park that led directly to the 2nd Tipp goal.
There are a few nice hurlers on that team though so fingers crossed for the future.

Tadhg2020 (Limerick) - Posts: 293 - 01/05/2026 11:00:21    2670139

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Replying To Sliothar73:  "Looks like the team has been leaked for Saturday with Hego named at 13 and Tom Morrissey named in his usual position.

DOD into midfield with David Reidy on bench.

If thats the team, it looks like Route 1 ball for Sunday to test Clare full back line.

Would be delighted to get out of Ennis with a draw leaving some small bit of wriggle room for two home games"
Your information was correct. It will be interesting to see how we actually line out.

Tadhg2020 (Limerick) - Posts: 293 - 01/05/2026 12:11:00    2670154

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Clare in Ennis always at best 50/50 but coming off a disappointing loss, minus two key men, and Clare with a two week break has to make Clare favourites
It's a while since we have played them in a must win game, so there is a little freshness on the match up compared to a year or two ago.
It's hard to see anything but a close, exciting game that could go either way
Our backs were good v Cork and will need to be so again. Said this before but onus is on the relative newcomers to step up and grab this game by the scruff of the neck. It's made for a MOTM from anyone of English, O Brien, O Neill or O Connor. All had their moments v Cork but all faded at times or had a few misses (O Neill) or we couldn't get enough ball into them (O Brien).

Yadse (Limerick) - Posts: 239 - 01/05/2026 12:29:52    2670159

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Replying To Viking66:  "That wouldn't be the case in trials. You stand out, or you dont. The bigger clubs are winning underage titles because by pure weight of numbers they will have 15 or 20 stronger players. That doesn't mean the best of them are better than the strongest players from a smaller club, it only means the worst of them are better than the worst players on a smaller clubs underage team.
An issue then is that the bigger clubs might not put the coaching and developmental work in to the same extent, as they dont have to. And the players themselves at those clubs maybe dont have to push themselves as hard."
Exactly. It's generally a numbers game at underage, as having a panel full of lads close to the age can make a big difference and fewer weak links. Larger clubs will generally have a lot of players of a certain standard and can cope with lads missing. Smaller clubs will be reliant on a few very talented players, some good competitive ones and then a few who would be on the weaker side.
In terms of picking the best for a county panel, it's irrelevant what club they come from. The players should be judged on their own ability, regardless of how good their club team is.

WanPintWin (Galway) - Posts: 2782 - 01/05/2026 13:13:41    2670175

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I'm worried about Sunday,our panel looks very light now with a few players missing..maybe 1 or 2 will come in and make the difference,time for some to either sink or swim.
Clare look as if they have more options for change and fellas who could make a huge difference..
If we lose this we have to win last 2 to get out of Munster and the all Ireland champs could smell blood.looking forward to seeing what will happen with hego,very hard to see him at corner forward..
Hoping for a good outcome and a great game again.

CTGAA10 (Limerick) - Posts: 2679 - 01/05/2026 13:21:56    2670177

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Replying To CTGAA10:  "I'm worried about Sunday,our panel looks very light now with a few players missing..maybe 1 or 2 will come in and make the difference,time for some to either sink or swim.
Clare look as if they have more options for change and fellas who could make a huge difference..
If we lose this we have to win last 2 to get out of Munster and the all Ireland champs could smell blood.looking forward to seeing what will happen with hego,very hard to see him at corner forward..
Hoping for a good outcome and a great game again."
I dont think any team can adequately replace players of the calibre of Lynch and Gillane. It is what it is though. Everything leading into game is favouring Clare. It is going to be interesting.

Tadhg2020 (Limerick) - Posts: 293 - 01/05/2026 14:54:00    2670208

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Replying To WanPintWin:  "Exactly. It's generally a numbers game at underage, as having a panel full of lads close to the age can make a big difference and fewer weak links. Larger clubs will generally have a lot of players of a certain standard and can cope with lads missing. Smaller clubs will be reliant on a few very talented players, some good competitive ones and then a few who would be on the weaker side.
In terms of picking the best for a county panel, it's irrelevant what club they come from. The players should be judged on their own ability, regardless of how good their club team is."
Im not sure that's happening atm. Thats the concern.

Tadhg2020 (Limerick) - Posts: 293 - 01/05/2026 14:54:44    2670209

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