Allen staying with the Shannonsiders

John Allen and his management team have agreed to take charge of the Limerick senior hurlers for another season.

The young and ever-improving Shannonsiders are seen as a coming team and their 2012 record shows that they are making good strides with Allen at the helm.

The Corkman's first year saw them finish as runners-up to Clare in Allianz League Division 1B before they fell to Tipperary in the Munster Championship.

They gained momentum through the All-Ireland qualifier route with big wins over Laois and Antrim, scoring 14-47 in the process, and then gained revenge on Clare by ending their Championship run.

But defending All-Ireland champions Kilkenny proved too strong at the quarter-final stage as Allen's charges went down 4-16 to 1-16 in Thurles last month.

Allen, who succeeded Donal O'Grady, and members of his backroom staff met with the executive of the Limerick County Board last night to discuss whether they would be remaining in place for the 2013 campaign.

A short statement from Limerick GAA confirmed that Allen, his selectors Eamon Meskell and John Kiely and coach Donach O Domhnaill have committed to another year in charge.

The draw for the 2013 Munster Senior Hurling Championship will be made in October. In the event of Limerick drawing either Tipperary or Allen's native Cork, Limerick will have home advantage at the Gaelic Grounds.