National Forum

Does Anyone See Past Limerick Winning The Hurling All Ireland?

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Replying To bloodandbandage:  "Last year Limerick beat us out the gate in the Munster RR and were immediately red hot favorites to win the AI, with most of those young lads you've just mentioned involved, and look what happened after that.

Can they win the AI? of course they can, but I just have this feeling (only my opinion) that they could struggle when the ground dries out and the pace picks up.

I'm glad you included Clare in there. Flying under the radar in 1B!!!"
If Clare can put the team out they had in 2024 they will be hard to beat.
Injuries to Davy Mac and now Mark Rodgers would be worrying though from a Clare point of view, especially McInerney.
Alot of people seem to forget that Limerick didnt lose the Munster final over 70 minutes. Or even after extra time. And that was despite all the injuries and other distractions. And its very unlikely they will take their eye off the ball like they did in last years AIQF.
I think for Tipp to win the AI Cahill is going to have to come up with something new again, either tactically or personnel. Which he might do.
Cork are another year on, with a new manager. Men on a mission with the whole county behind them. Will be hard to beat too.
Everyone will have a better idea where everyone is at after the 1st 2 rounds in Leinster and Munster. But right now Im sticking to that 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 19111 - 08/04/2026 15:27:11    2665282

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Replying To Tadhg2020:  "Clare are probably listed in there because they won the all ireland 2 seasons ago. Id have put Tipp ahead of them personally.
Id have 3 pools of 3 counties personally. I dont think you can go further than that until round 3 of provincial championship at earliest.
1. Favourites- Limerick, Tipp, Cork

2. Outside chance- KK, Galway, Clare.

3. Long shots- Wexford, Waterford, Dublin.

4. Offaly and Kildare.

Come the All Ireland series KK and Galway are almost certain to be there. They can also rotate more while getting therr which is an advantage.
The Munster teams dont have that luxury or certainty. One of pool 1 may not make it. 2 possibly depending on Waterfords form.

To sum up KK and Galway will be very competitive in All Ireland series. They could knock out any of the munster teams and go on a run to All Ireland title not unlike Tipp last season. Let's not forget that they weren't anyone's tip to win All Ireland at any stage last year. KK are capable of doing similar. Galway too although KK are the more likely given Galways record in finals."
That rotation thing for Galway and Kilkenny is nonsense. Just look back over the last couple of seasons teamsheets. Neither have rotated much if at all. They can't afford to. Plus both have to play an extra game compared to the Munster teams. An extra game to get up for, and possibly suffer injuries in. And 1 less week of rest.
Agree with your tiers though as it stands right now, agree with your last paragraph, and also agree we will know more after the first couple of games.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 19111 - 08/04/2026 15:42:10    2665284

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Replying To bloodandbandage:  "I wouldn't have them far back because at least one of them (I'd also include Dublin) will be in an AI semi, and anything can happen from there.

KK were very, very close to the final last year."
They were, but Lawlor is a huge huge loss. Not just as a number 3, but as a leader also.
Agree Dublin could win Leinster. We might either if we have and keep our best and most experienced players fully fit. But thats always a big IF, especially with having to play 5 Round Robin games.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 19111 - 08/04/2026 15:52:21    2665287

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