Richie Power believes it’s important that Limerick regroup from their unsuccessful attempt at winning five All-Ireland titles in a row and show people that they mean business again this year.
John Kiely’s men were chasing the coveted historic five-in-a-row after winning four successive Liam MacCarthy titles but came unstuck against Cork in last year’s semi-final.
The question now is whether Limerick in 2025, with injuries and retirements, is done for good or if they can prove that last year’s stumble was just a blip in their dominant era.
Kilkenny’s Power, who knows more than most about winning the big prizes, believes it is crucial that Limerick reclaim supremacy.
He said via the Mirror: “The big thing about Limerick is they have to get back and win another one. It’s not because we would have done it as our team, but they were on such a roll—four in a row, going for five—and, to be fair, no one saw what happened coming.
Cork v Limerick (Photo By Ray McManus/Sportsfile via Getty Images)“I expected Cork to really put it up to them, but I still expected Limerick to win the five-in-a-row. Now, after the disappointment, they have to regroup; they have to go back to the well. That’s the big thing. It’s whether there’s enough in the well, and there certainly is with the players and talent that they have.”
Limerick will have to do so without Nickie Quaid. He suffered an ACL injury this year, meaning Shane Dowling will deputise in goal for the majority of the season. Power believes overcoming this difficult period without the likes of Quaid and others will be a key factor in their quest for silverware once more.
“They’ve already been hit with Nickie Quaid’s injury. Cathal O’Neill, I know, has picked up a hamstring injury. He’ll be back around the middle of the League. It’s going to come down to how they deal with these setbacks and whether the hunger is still there—that’s the big thing.”
Limerick’s first game in the Allianz Hurling League will see them travel to Leeside to face All-Ireland finalists Cork in their opening fixture at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday, February 1, at 7:30 pm.
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