Ryan to run rule over fringe players in Limerick pipe-opener

Barely a week into the new year but already the country’s hurlers are getting set to blow off the cobwebs, the usual pre-season competitions in Leinster (Walsh Cup) and Munster (Waterford Crystal) about to begin.

First into the action will be Limerick and the students of IT Tralee who meet tonight under lights in Rathkeale at 7.30pm. It had originally been fixed for Sunday but was switched at Limerick’s request – nothing sinister involved, according to new manager TJ Ryan. “We were already short a lot of players but a few players we’d like to see were unavailable for Sunday so we looked for the change, felt it would suit the students as well and it did.

“We’re missing five of the Na Piarsaigh lads, they’re preparing for an All-Ireland semi-final; Seamus Hickey is out long-term and Declan Hannon had an ankle operation so he’s out for the next three months; we also have guys playing with the various colleges in this competition so it all adds up. This gives us an opportunity to look at other guys and gives them an opportunity also.”