Cork v Limerick: Game under the belt could stand to Rebels

Does it feel like 38 weeks ago since Cork beat Limerick in a Saturday night epic by the Lee?

Probably, given that a lot has happened since. At the same time, it means that we are just 15 weeks out from the counties’ Munster SHC clash at TUS Gaelic Grounds. Whatever happens at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh tomorrow night, it will only act as an hors d’oeuvre, something to tide us over as everybody marks time in the Allianz Hurling League campaign.

That’s not to dismiss it, by any means – Cork manager Pat Ryan knows that it is a great opportunity in which to test players who are seeking to push their way further up the depth chart. While the previous league format allowed for a couple of gimme matches, with the major counties not in any danger of relegation, the new seven-team set-up means that the blade is lowered somewhat and there are no real chances to take it easy.

DOMINANT

In winning four All-Irelands in a row from 2020-23 inclusive, Limerick lost just one championship match – a round-robin loss at home to Clare in the last of those years, the outcome reversed when the counties met in the Munster final.

Then, last year, they lost to Cork, twice. From a position where the Shannonsiders were seen as a bogey team for the Rebels (and pretty much everyone else), a sense of belief and confidence came from beating them and then backing it up. 

That such achievements were not followed by outright glory was of course very disappointing, but a one-point loss to Clare after 90 minutes of hurling did not invalidate all that had gone before. Cork could justifiably consider themselves as being back among the top tranche of teams.

Limerick obviously still inhabit such a platform, too, and dishing out a measure of revenge to their Leeside opponents would be a statement. 

But, when it all comes down to it, John Kiely and Paul Kinnerk would far prefer to be banking two points on the Ennis Road in May rather than down the Marina on St Brigid’s Day.

The fact that it is the Treatymen’s first outing – they were the odd ones out among the top-flight septet last weekend – could also be a factor in the outcome. After the win over Wexford, Ryan felt that it had taken Cork a while to work through some ring-rustiness and one would have to think that that will lead to a better performance.

However intense Limerick’s challenge matches or in-house training games, have been, the league is another step up again. That could lead to them starting slowly and allowing Cork to build a lead – or else seeking to gain an early foothold but with the risk of tiring in the second half. In such a light, Cork’s status as slight favourites makes sense.

There won’t be any pitch invasions at the end, but it should still make for an interesting early-spring tussle.