Damian Irwin admits his Cork U21 hurlers are in for a severe test when they entertain Limerick tonight.

The Treaty County are defending Munster and All-Ireland champions in this grade and they have named ten of the side that started September's All-Ireland final victory over Wexford for the first-round provincial game at Pairc Ui Rinn.

"You want a big challenge, well this is a big challenge," Irwin told The Irish Examiner. "If you are in sport for big challenges, you are in sport for a game like this.

"There are five teams in Munster so whoever you get is going to be a tough challenge. For Cork or Limerick, this is going to be a very tough Munster campaign because they are going to have to beat three very good teams to win Munster.

"The crowd is really important. If the team is doing things on the field, they get the crowd behind them, they get the crowd excited and animated. Then it becomes a very powerful thing; the team and the crowd are driving on together. I am sure we will get a good crowd in because Cork supporters are very good to follow their teams. I know they are well aware of the three hurling fixtures.

"The commitment from our lads has been excellent. They are a very spirited bunch. Hopefully, we can get a performance."

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