Limerick v Cork: Three key match-ups that will decide Sunday's showdown

There's a lot talk that Cork and Limerick's collision at 4pm on Sunday afternoon is the first of three likely championship meetings in the coming months.

That, and the fact both teams are at home the following weekend where wins will see them progress, might lower the stakes to a degree. However, both counties will be desperate to lay down makers in the TUS Gaelic Grounds and take huge momentum into the rest of the summer.

Here we look at some of the key battles and new match-ups that will be key.

Kyle Hayes v Darragh Fitzgibbon:

This should be box-office. Fitzgibbon has replicated the 2024 form that saw him nominated for Hurler of the Year since his redeployment at centre-forward. His pace, size and ability to power into pockets of space on either flank make him seriously hard to handle.

Hayes was terrific in the six geansaí against Waterford, after a stint back in the half-forward line in the draw with Tipp. An All-Star last season, Cork's victories over Limerick were in no small part down to Declan Dalton's ability to keep him occupied.

Now in the centre of the defence, he'll be far harder to bypass.

Shane Barrett getting in behind Declan Hannon was essential to the Rebels' success last season and this pairing will be just as decisive.

Shane O'Brien v Eoin Downey:

O'Brien's nickname is the Bull and while that's a reflection of his power and ball-winning, he's also incredibly accurate and capable of scoring any which way. He has 1-8 from play so far in the championship and appears to be a more rounded forward than Seamus Flanagan, even though he did lash in a hat-trick in the Páirc 12 months ago.

Aaron Gillane, Cian Lynch and Gearóid Hegarty will take real minding, as always, but the 21-year-old adds a new edge to Limerick.

Downey nudged out Conor Cleary for an All-Star last season and will need to show the same defensive nous to limit O'Brien's influence on Sunday.

Adam English v Ethan Twomey:

English like O'Brien was only used as impact sub last summer but has nailed down a starting berth now, bringing the same energy and scoring threat from deep that led Doon to a county title on Shannonside.

Twomey was terrific in the league final but hasn't matched that so far in championship. While Tim O'Mahony has been ripping up it alongside him, the Barrs man does plenty of heavy lifting in the middle third battleground as well.

Cork really need him to hoover up the breaks and use his heft in the rucks to keep the sliotar moving to the inside line.