Limerick vs. Kilkenny: All-Eire Hurling Closing 2023
The 2023 GAA All-Eire Senior Hurling Championship has reached its pinnacle, and the Liam MacCarthy Cup will discover its new dwelling within the epic conflict between defending champions Limerick and the formidable Kilkenny. Set to happen on Sunday at Croke Park, this showdown guarantees an exhilarating show of talent, willpower, and custom. Limerick goals to make historical past as solely the third crew to realize a four-in-a-row, whereas Kilkenny seeks their thirty seventh crown. Let’s delve into the paths each groups took to the ultimate and discover their thrilling rivalry.
Can Limerick Full All-Eire Closing 4 in a rowÂ
Limerick’s Dominance:
Limerick enters the ultimate with an distinctive monitor report, bidding to affix the unique membership of groups which have gained 4 successive All-Eire titles. Led by their seasoned supervisor, John Kiely, they’ve been a power to be reckoned with, clinching 5 titles within the final six years. The defending champions are wanting to etch their names within the annals of hurling historical past by securing one more momentous victory.
Paths to the Closing
Limerick’s Journey:
Limerick’s path to the ultimate has been stuffed with intense battles and extraordinary shows of talent. Let’s check out their exceptional journey within the championship:
– Limerick 1-18 Waterford 0-19 (Munster ’spherical robin’)
– Clare 1-24 Limerick 2-20 (Munster ’spherical robin’)
– Limerick 0-25 Tipperary 0-25 (Munster ’spherical robin’)
– Limerick 3-25 Cork 1-30 (Munster ’spherical robin’)
– Limerick 1-23 Clare 1-22 (Munster remaining)
– Limerick 2-24 Galway 1-18 (All-Eire semi-final)
All through the championship, Limerick displayed their scoring prowess, with Aaron Gillane main the cost with a formidable tally of 3-42. The crew’s collective efforts have propelled them to the ultimate, with their distinctive goal-scoring capability and strategic gameplay.
## Kilkenny’s Dedication
Kilkenny’s Pursuit:
Kilkenny, a crew steeped in hurling historical past, is set to reclaim the All-Eire title. Their final triumph got here in 2015, and now, underneath the stewardship of Derek Lyng, they purpose to safe their thirty seventh crown. Kilkenny has had a commendable journey all through the championship, displaying their unwavering spirit and willpower.
Championship Conferences and Rivalry
Historic Rivalry:
Limerick and Kilkenny have a storied rivalry, having met fifteen instances within the championship. Kilkenny has emerged victorious on 9 events, whereas Limerick has secured six victories. The 2 powerhouses have confronted off in 9 All-Eire finals, with Limerick clinching 5 wins in comparison with Kilkenny’s 4.
In recent times, the rivalry between Limerick and Kilkenny has intensified, with gripping encounters leaving followers on the sting of their seats. Final yr’s All-Eire remaining noticed Limerick emerge triumphant with a scoreline of 1-31 to 2-26, and this yr’s Allianz League remaining additional solidified Limerick’s dominance, securing a convincing 2-20 to 0-15 victory.
Key Gamers and High Scorers
Limerick’s Offensive Prowess:
Limerick boasts a roster of proficient gamers who’ve constantly delivered excellent performances. Listed here are the highest scorers for Limerick within the championship:
1. Aaron Gillane – 3-42 (0-29 frees)
2. Diarmuid Byrnes – 1-19 (0-13 frees, 1-0 pen)
3. Seamus Flanagan – 4-9
4. Tom Morrissey – 0-17 (0-1 free)
5. Cathal O’Neill – 1-10
6. Gearóid Hegarty – 0-8
7. Peter Casey – 0-6
Kilkenny’s Offensive Menace
Key Contributors:
Kilkenny possesses a formidable attacking power, spearheaded by their prime scorers:
1. TJ Reid – 2-66 (0-47 frees, 0-6 ’65s’, 0-1 s/l)
2. Eoin Cody – 4-21
3. Martin Keoghan – 5-9
4. Adrian Mullen – 0-15
5. Tom Phelan – 1-9
6. Billy Ryan – 0-10
7. Walter Walsh – 1-5
The Referee and Closing Reflections
Crowning the Champions:
The ultimate will likely be officiated by Wicklow’s John Keenan, who turns into the primary Wicklow man to referee the All-Eire hurling remaining in a number of a long time. Keenan’s presence on the pitch provides an additional layer of significance to this extremely anticipated conflict.
As Limerick and Kilkenny put together to battle for hurling supremacy, the stage is about for an exciting encounter that can captivate followers and add one other wonderful chapter to the illustrious historical past of the All-Eire hurling remaining. Each groups possess the talent, willpower, and starvation for victory that can undoubtedly make this showdown a spectacle to recollect.
Beginning groups for Kilkenny v Limerick
We are going to groups on Thursday night
