Cork v Limerick - huge contest this Saturday evening
Round 3 of the Munster SHC takes place this Saturday in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, where the reigning champions, Limerick, face Cork. With two rounds played and Waterford v Tipperary drawing, all five counties are still in contention for a place in the Munster final. Cork, who have lost their two games, not having as good a chance as the other four.
There has been great history between Cork and Limerick over the years. Cork invariably came out on top, but in recent years this trend has changed. Taking a look at both counties, Limerick were Munster, All-Ireland and National League winners in 2023. They won 3 All-Ireland Under 21 HC titles in-a-row from 2000 to 2002. Back in 2007, Limerick defeated Tipperary in the Munster semi-final by 0-22 to 2-13. That was their first win over Tipperary since 1996.
In 2007, Limerick defeated Clare in the All-Ireland quarter-final by 1-23 to 1-16. The 'Treaty' side were beaten by Galway in that All-Ireland final by 2-19 to 1-15.
In 2018, Limerick were crowned All-Ireland SHC winners when they overcame Galway by 3-16 to 2-18. That marked their first All-Ireland SHC win since 1973.
Limerick have been a powerhouse in hurling in recent years. They were crowned NHL winners in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023 and have won 4 Munster SHC titles recently - 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. They are now in search of five All-Ireland titles in-a-row, having won since 2020.
Cork hurlers also completed 4-in-a-row in the 1940s, while Kilkenny were 4-in-a-row title holders in the 2000s.
Limerick have 12 All-Ireland SHC titles to their credit - 1897, 1918, 1921, 1934, 1936, 1940, 1973, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 – and have been All Ireland runners-up on 9 occasions - 1910, 1923, 1933, 1935, 1974, 1980, 1994, 1996 and 2007.
Limerick have been crowned NHL winners 14 times, the most recent being 1997, 2019, 2020 and 2023. They have also won 6 All-Ireland Under 21 HC titles, most recently in 2015 and 2017. In that competition, Limerick have won Munster titles on 9 occasions - their most recent successes were in 2015, 2017 and 2022. They were also named RTE 'Sports team of the year' in 2020 and 2023.
WHAT OF CORK?
Cork are one of the few dual counties in with a realistic chance of success in either code. Their hurlers have been far more successful, having 30 All-Ireland SHC titles. There are 260 clubs in the county compared with 108 in Limerick.
Cork won the All-Ireland SHC title in 1999 and were expected to push on and follow with many more achievements. However, over the past 25 years the opposite has happened. In the 2000 All-Ireland SHC semi-final, they lost to Offaly. Cork won 3 out of the next four Munster titles and reached 4 consecutive All-Ireland finals, winning in 2004 and 2005. In 2006 they were going for 3-in-a-row, but lost out to Kilkenny.
Over the years, Cork have won 54 Munster SHC titles and were runners-up 30 times. Limerick have 24 wins and were runners-up 27 times. Over the years, since 1964, Cork have won 14 All-Ireland Under 21 HC titles, the most recent being 1997, 1998, 2020, 2021 and 2023. They were defeated finalists in 2017 and 2019.
In Minor hurling, Cork have 19 titles and were beaten in 12 finals.
The strike by the Cork players had a major impact. The first one started in December 2007 until February 2008. There was a second strike in 2008 to 2009. Cork's last All-Ireland success now goes back to 2005.
PREDICTION
Limerick are the form team in Ireland at the moment. Even though they are likely to be without the injured Peter Casey, they have a massive panel. Cork, who were unlucky to lose to Waterford, were also good enough to overcome Clare. The loss of players in both games cost them dearly. Over the years Cork are at their best when they have little chance. Their whole season depends on this Saturday evening's game. Limerick, who have two wins are in the knockout stages. Even if Cork were to win, they would still need to overcome Tipperary in the final game. Limerick must be fancied to win, but a Cork victory cannot be ruled out.