Weekend hurling previews: Limerick to have the spark, Clare to show the smarts

In attendance during a Allianz National Hurling League Finals media event are, from left, Clare hurler Mark Rodgers, Dublin hurler Ronan Hayes, Cork hurler Niall O'Leary and Limerick hurler Adam English at TUS Gaelic Grounds & Woodfield House in Limerick. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

National Hurling League Division 1A final: Limerick v Cork, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 4pm (S. Hynes, Galway) Live TG4.

We can safely say this will be the last Limerick-Cork meeting of the season in TUS Gaelic Grounds. It’s off to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh for the round-robin game in three weeks and if they are to meet in a Munster final it will be in Ballintemple once more. 

Limerick’s intent was unquestionable the last day and really it has hardly been in doubt since that opening defeat to Waterford. Their extra week before the Munster SHC allows them to approach them with slightly more abandon than Cork who have the little matter of heading to Thurles before these counties meet again on April 26. 

A league final is not an occasion to take risks in, but if both teams aren’t fielding at least 12 of the teams that start championship later this month then something is up. Ben O’Connor has tried a square peg or two in a round hole but now is the time to go with what he thinks is the best fit. 

John Kiely is closer to knowing his opening 15 and by virtue of his early twentysomethings finally stepping up he is going to have some pretty formidable men to call off the bench. If Cork are to win this, their half-back line must come out on top. Aidan O’Connor and Cathal O’Neill are in exquisite form and it was interesting Kiely mentioned the strong running element he now has in his team. 

Should Cork be worried? Yes and no. They remain the most potent team moving forward but part of the charm of Pat Ryan’s team was they made the ball work for them too. Brian Hayes is not just an effective inside forward; he must be so relieving for team-mates in the middle third as he makes ball stick. Cork have to be clever in how they vary their game and not be entirely sucked into a short pass battle. There will be sparks and Cork will produce their share of them but it will probably be the industry of the hosts that produce most of them. 

Verdict: Limerick

Division 1B final: Clare v Dublin, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 1.45pm (T. Walsh, Waterford) Live TG4.

If this turns out to be anything like the league opener, we’re in for a game. Clare will want as close to a championship intensity as possible two weeks out from entertaining Waterford. There may not be as much interest in Dublin about this game as the other three counties on the bill but Munster opposition is ideal preparation for a Leinster Championship they believe they can win. 

Certainly, there is more depth to the Dublin group now. Bringing back Liam Rushe, who turns 36 in June, may not suggest that but Niall Ó Ceallacháin does have options. Fergal Whitley is playing some great hurling too, Donal Burke is back where he belongs in the team and they are probably only second to Cork as the fastest side in the game. 

Clare have used their time in the league’s second tier wisely and there should be a fresher face or two (possibly Shane Meehan and Diarmuid Stritch) in the team to face Waterford. All the same, their wiliness is one of their calling cards. Cathal Malone moving to wing-back might not seem progressive but it is practical. Dublin are not a fair weather outfit. Neither are they shy physically but Clare should have the smarts to keep them at bay. 

Verdict: Clare.