National Forum

Does Anyone See Past Limerick Winning The Hurling All Ireland?

(Oldest Posts First)

Limerick seem to now have a very potent mix of youth and experience with the likes of English, O'Connor, O'Neill, O'Brien, and others charging through to join the multi-AI winning legends already there. To be honest, they look pretty unstoppable, but of course anything can happen in a single game.

What are your opinions? Is there anybody there to stop them? I think Tipp will find it very hard to put back to back titles, and confidence must be really affected in the Cork group, Galway seem to be building well, but is it a little early for them to put in a meaningful challenge? Clare (and Dublin, who are also now definitely a top tier team) are at a disadvantage of not having had the same level of opposition in the league. Kilkenny seem to be a little off the pace just now, and while Waterford can never be written of in any single game it seems unlikely they will string enough wins together to make it over the line. Neither do I see Wexford or Offaly having any say at the business end.

But as always it will be a very interesting championship with many unexpected talking points.

What are your predictions?

MiAmigaVERONICA (Clare) - Posts: 329 - 07/04/2026 16:13:55    2665120

Link

Replying To MiAmigaVERONICA:  "Limerick seem to now have a very potent mix of youth and experience with the likes of English, O'Connor, O'Neill, O'Brien, and others charging through to join the multi-AI winning legends already there. To be honest, they look pretty unstoppable, but of course anything can happen in a single game.

What are your opinions? Is there anybody there to stop them? I think Tipp will find it very hard to put back to back titles, and confidence must be really affected in the Cork group, Galway seem to be building well, but is it a little early for them to put in a meaningful challenge? Clare (and Dublin, who are also now definitely a top tier team) are at a disadvantage of not having had the same level of opposition in the league. Kilkenny seem to be a little off the pace just now, and while Waterford can never be written of in any single game it seems unlikely they will string enough wins together to make it over the line. Neither do I see Wexford or Offaly having any say at the business end.

But as always it will be a very interesting championship with many unexpected talking points.

What are your predictions?"
Price on Tipp is very generous in my view. I reckon it will be between Tipp, Limerick, Clare and Cork. Winner from the three qualifiers in Munster but be brave man put his house on saying which of the three.

There may be a few surprises - hopefully with Dublin on right side again! - but I don't think any of the Leinster contenders; ourselves, Cats, Wexford and Galway have what it take to go all the way.

BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 4153 - 07/04/2026 16:27:48    2665121

Link

Replying To MiAmigaVERONICA:  "Limerick seem to now have a very potent mix of youth and experience with the likes of English, O'Connor, O'Neill, O'Brien, and others charging through to join the multi-AI winning legends already there. To be honest, they look pretty unstoppable, but of course anything can happen in a single game.

What are your opinions? Is there anybody there to stop them? I think Tipp will find it very hard to put back to back titles, and confidence must be really affected in the Cork group, Galway seem to be building well, but is it a little early for them to put in a meaningful challenge? Clare (and Dublin, who are also now definitely a top tier team) are at a disadvantage of not having had the same level of opposition in the league. Kilkenny seem to be a little off the pace just now, and while Waterford can never be written of in any single game it seems unlikely they will string enough wins together to make it over the line. Neither do I see Wexford or Offaly having any say at the business end.

But as always it will be a very interesting championship with many unexpected talking points.

What are your predictions?"
Its far too early to make predictions like that. Phase 1 of a three phase season is over and Limerick finished on top in that phase. However its a long road yet. The next phase is, primarily, about making sure you are in Phase 3 but there is also a Munster title on the line and everyone in it wants to win it. Limerick have to go to Cork and Ennis. Too venues that we have, traditionally, found very tough to win in. Both Counties have succeeded in creating very hostile environments for visiting teams. If Cork are beaten in Thurles in round 1 then Pairc Ui Caoimh will be a cauldron the following week. My point being that while Limerick will be in most people's picks to get out of Munster its far from guarenteed. Most people have it as three from 4 but Waterford are well capable of taking a few scalps and deciding which 3 or becoming 1 of the 3 themselves.
All that said I think that we are going well and will be disappointed if we dont make phase 3. However that's where we came unstuck the last 2 seasons. We were going well going into the Dublin game too and look what happened. There are a lot of teams in this championship that are capable of beating the others. They might not win it but they can make sure that you wont just as Dublin did last season. It is going to be a cracking Munster Championship and All Ireland series.

Tadhg2020 (Limerick) - Posts: 174 - 07/04/2026 16:58:38    2665124

Link

Replying To MiAmigaVERONICA:  "Limerick seem to now have a very potent mix of youth and experience with the likes of English, O'Connor, O'Neill, O'Brien, and others charging through to join the multi-AI winning legends already there. To be honest, they look pretty unstoppable, but of course anything can happen in a single game.

What are your opinions? Is there anybody there to stop them? I think Tipp will find it very hard to put back to back titles, and confidence must be really affected in the Cork group, Galway seem to be building well, but is it a little early for them to put in a meaningful challenge? Clare (and Dublin, who are also now definitely a top tier team) are at a disadvantage of not having had the same level of opposition in the league. Kilkenny seem to be a little off the pace just now, and while Waterford can never be written of in any single game it seems unlikely they will string enough wins together to make it over the line. Neither do I see Wexford or Offaly having any say at the business end.

But as always it will be a very interesting championship with many unexpected talking points.

What are your predictions?"
Just on the League thing plenty of counties have won AIs after playing in div2 of the League.
And on the flipside Limerick have looked unstoppable before, and failed to deliver. Cork failed to deliver last year. Waterford looked way out in front after the League in 2022, Derek Mcgrath was on TV talking about trilogies with Limerick. Then they didnt even get out of Munster.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 19109 - 07/04/2026 18:07:12    2665138

Link

Replying To MiAmigaVERONICA:  "Limerick seem to now have a very potent mix of youth and experience with the likes of English, O'Connor, O'Neill, O'Brien, and others charging through to join the multi-AI winning legends already there. To be honest, they look pretty unstoppable, but of course anything can happen in a single game.

What are your opinions? Is there anybody there to stop them? I think Tipp will find it very hard to put back to back titles, and confidence must be really affected in the Cork group, Galway seem to be building well, but is it a little early for them to put in a meaningful challenge? Clare (and Dublin, who are also now definitely a top tier team) are at a disadvantage of not having had the same level of opposition in the league. Kilkenny seem to be a little off the pace just now, and while Waterford can never be written of in any single game it seems unlikely they will string enough wins together to make it over the line. Neither do I see Wexford or Offaly having any say at the business end.

But as always it will be a very interesting championship with many unexpected talking points.

What are your predictions?"
In a word, no. Tipp will improve as will Cork, but I don't think either would beat Limerick in a final. Clare and Waterford can beat anybody on a day, but can they do it throughout a campaign. I also don't think that Leinster teams like Galway or Dublin are at that level yet. Kilkenny are still not there yet either, in my opinion

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 2200 - 07/04/2026 19:21:18    2665145

Link

When they announced the return of Caroline currid I said they'd win everything this year. I still believe that to be true

Doylerwex (Wexford) - Posts: 4392 - 07/04/2026 23:17:37    2665174

Link

Replying To Viking66:  "Just on the League thing plenty of counties have won AIs after playing in div2 of the League.
And on the flipside Limerick have looked unstoppable before, and failed to deliver. Cork failed to deliver last year. Waterford looked way out in front after the League in 2022, Derek Mcgrath was on TV talking about trilogies with Limerick. Then they didnt even get out of Munster."
What he means is: There is still hope for Wexford!

foreveryoung (USA) - Posts: 2486 - 08/04/2026 00:26:15    2665179

Link

Replying To foreveryoung:  "What he means is: There is still hope for Wexford!"
Not much. But there's always hope you could win a close game against Dublin rather than lose or draw it. And if we won 3 other games there's a good chance of a Leinster Final. I wouldn't have us as huge underdogs against anyone in Croke Park, we could win a Leinster final if we actually got to one for a change. Then after that it would all be on the day in an AISF up there.
There's always a little hope at this time of year!!!!!

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 19109 - 08/04/2026 09:25:41    2665193

Link

Replying To Doylerwex:  "When they announced the return of Caroline currid I said they'd win everything this year. I still believe that to be true"
I thought the same as you when I heard that news, and like you still think that now.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 19109 - 08/04/2026 09:26:30    2665194

Link

Replying To Viking66:  "I thought the same as you when I heard that news, and like you still think that now."
I don't know if this will be the case TBH.

Two years ago they lost in a semi final, last year it was a QF. That's a downward trend that becomes very hard to reverse. I think as they go deeper into the competition the older legs with so much mileage may struggle, and no amount of mental prep can change that.

I don't see any reason why Tipp couldn't do back to back. I would have them as my favorites.

bloodandbandage (Cork) - Posts: 489 - 08/04/2026 11:33:45    2665229

Link

Replying To bloodandbandage:  "I don't know if this will be the case TBH.

Two years ago they lost in a semi final, last year it was a QF. That's a downward trend that becomes very hard to reverse. I think as they go deeper into the competition the older legs with so much mileage may struggle, and no amount of mental prep can change that.

I don't see any reason why Tipp couldn't do back to back. I would have them as my favorites."
Limerick are bringing through good younger lads now though. I think realistically only 4 counties might win it at this stage and Id rank them as-
1- Limerick
2- Cork
3- Clare , but only if mostly fully fit.
4- Tipp

At the same time if some of the other counties can go on a run like Tipp did last year, which isnt as likely, they might see momentum carry them through. Its unlikely though.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 19109 - 08/04/2026 12:02:49    2665235

Link

Replying To Viking66:  "Limerick are bringing through good younger lads now though. I think realistically only 4 counties might win it at this stage and Id rank them as-
1- Limerick
2- Cork
3- Clare , but only if mostly fully fit.
4- Tipp

At the same time if some of the other counties can go on a run like Tipp did last year, which isnt as likely, they might see momentum carry them through. Its unlikely though."
Curious at how far back would you put Galway and Kk?

SouthGalway (Galway) - Posts: 253 - 08/04/2026 12:26:06    2665240

Link

Replying To Viking66:  "Limerick are bringing through good younger lads now though. I think realistically only 4 counties might win it at this stage and Id rank them as-
1- Limerick
2- Cork
3- Clare , but only if mostly fully fit.
4- Tipp

At the same time if some of the other counties can go on a run like Tipp did last year, which isnt as likely, they might see momentum carry them through. Its unlikely though."
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!!!

bloodandbandage (Cork) - Posts: 489 - 08/04/2026 12:36:06    2665241

Link

I'm no hurling expert but I've never seen a current all Ireland champion in either code being wrote off by so many. Tipp can't be discounted.

yew_tree (Mayo) - Posts: 12015 - 08/04/2026 12:50:02    2665244

Link

Replying To SouthGalway:  "Curious at how far back would you put Galway and Kk?"
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.

Tadhg2020 (Limerick) - Posts: 174 - 08/04/2026 12:56:58    2665246

Link

Replying To SouthGalway:  "Curious at how far back would you put Galway and Kk?"
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.

bloodandbandage (Cork) - Posts: 489 - 08/04/2026 14:01:26    2665259

Link

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."
Kilkenny have lost their last 4 All-Ireland finals. Their average losing margin in those finals is almost 9 points. Historically, you'd absolutely give them a chance in a final, but it's over a decade since we've seen them get over the line.
Our record in finals is awful, but I wouldn't have any more faith in Kilkenny to get the job done in a final at the moment, than ourselves.
Regardless, I posted on here at the start of the year that Limerick were my favourites for Liam McCarthy and that obviously hasn't changed. That doesn't mean they can't be beaten on a given day, but they are the most likely to win it out.

WanPintWin (Galway) - Posts: 2745 - 08/04/2026 15:22:32    2665279

Link

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!!!"
It's all just being based on the latest results/form in the league really.
Limerick walloped Tipp in the league so people began writing off Tipp after that.
Galway hammered KK and all of a sudden KK weren't getting out of Leinster according to some.

I personally think that Tipp will get out of Munster and / or reach Munster Final.
And I also think Cork will beat Limerick in one of their next meetings (if either get to a Munster Final!!!!)

Kilkenny and Galway Leinster Final with a game that could go either way.
Head and heart torn on 3rd place!!

Goreylad1985 (Wexford) - Posts: 22 - 08/04/2026 15:25:00    2665281

Link

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: 19109 - 08/04/2026 15:27:11    2665282

Link