Weekend hurling previews: Limerick can have the edge on Clare

Gearoid Hegarty celebrates his goal against Clare. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

SATURDAY

Fulfil All-Ireland U20B HC final

Derry v Roscommon

Kingspan Breffni, 1pm (D. Argue, Cavan) Live Spórt TG4.

Verdict: Derry

Fulfil Al-Ireland U20C HC final.

Armagh v Fermanagh

Kingspan Breffni, 3pm (B. Winters, Tyrone) Live Spórt TG4.

Verdict: Armagh.

SUNDAY

Munster SHC, Round 3

Clare v Limerick

Zimmer-Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, 2pm (M. Kennedy, Tipperary) Live RTÉ

Ennis wouldn’t be considered a fortress for Tipperary who have won all of their three group games there but often Clare have brought out the best for Limerick.

Two years ago, the hosts should have been out the gap at half-time and were caught by a couple of goals in the closing stages, both assisted by Gearóid Hegarty after he moved into right corner-forward.

Clare lost so much of their shape at that stage and Hegarty being named there on Sunday is at least a reminder to Brian Lohan of the mismatch that may occur there again.

Hegarty was named as a wing-back for the 2023 All-Ireland semi-final and it never transpired but this move is far more believable.

It’s an interesting psychological move by Kiely facing Brian Lohan, a man known more for the curveball. Both sides have their sprinkling of youth and you would imagine the managers will want to test it – Hegarty could spend time on Niall O’Farrell.

Clare will undoubtedly try to lure Limerick into a shoot-out and it’s on those terms of engagement they have the best chance of winning both of their home games for the first time in the provincial group history.

Their attack is stunning but if their defence is as leaky as it was against Waterford, Limerick should be able to exploit it. Another one-score game in favour of Kiely’s men. 

Verdict: Limerick.