The key match-ups in Tipperary's round two Allianz Hurling League clash with Limerick

There will be key-match-ups all over the field in Limerick's round two Allianz Hurling League clash against Tipperary on Sunday at 3:45pm. 

Limerick come into this encounter on the back of a draw with Cork. Meanwhile, Tipperary have recorded victories over Galway and Wexford. 

The Shannonsiders are aiming to record their first victory in Division 1A this weekend. John Kiely will be sweating on the fitness of Sean Finn, Gearoid Hegarty and William O'Donoghue, all three players came off injured in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on last Saturday night. 

Leader Sport's Paul Shaughnessy looks at the crucial match-ups between Limerick and Tipperary. 

Barry Murphy v Darragh McCarthy 

Barry Murphy performed excellently at corner back last weekend keeping Cork sharpshooter Alan Connolly scoreless from play. Tipperary corner forward Darragh McCarthy has scored 2-13 in the Premier County's opening two games in the Allianz Hurling League. Murphy will look to put McCarthy on the backfoot by attacking forward at any chance he gets and his versality from lining out in defence with Doon has stood to him. 

Kyle Hayes v Jake Morris 

2024 All star Kyle Hayes looks destined to line out in the number six jersey for Limerick this year. Hayes produced a sensational performance last weekend from a defensive and an attacking perspective. Tipperary's Jake Morris has drifted between the number 11 and 14 channel for Liam Cahill's charges. Morris has played a vital role in linking the play together in the Tipperary attack and Kyle Hayes looks like he will be player that will follow Jake Morris in the TUS Gaelic Grounds on Sunday.

Cian Lynch v Willie Connors 

After William O'Donoghue came off injured last Saturday night with a hamstring injury, it is likely that Limerick senior hurling captain Cian Lynch could be deployed in midfield. Lynch played a captain's role last Saturday night and the Patrickswell clubman looked back to his best. Tipperary midfielder Willie Connors has set tone for Tipp's workrate around the middle third this year and Cahill will hope Connors can stop Cian Lynch this Sunday. 

Aidan O'Connor v Seamus Kennedy 

Twelve months ago, Seamus Kennedy suffered an ACL injury and the Tipperary defender experience has been a major addition to the premier county's defence. UL student Aidan O'Connor chipped in with 0-2 against Cork and O'Connor will to build on his performance. In 2024, most of O'Connor's appearances were from the bench but the Ballybrown clubman looks like he will challenge for a spot on the Limerick starting XV. 

Aaron Gillane v Michael Breen

Aaron Gillane didn't feature in Limerick's draw with Cork. John Kiely will be keen to give Gillane some game time this Sunday against Tipperary. Kiely is likely to mix and match between youth and experience. Gillane could take up his regular position in the right corner forward position against Tipp. Cahill has made a tactical switch in the Tipperary defence by moving Michael Breen into the full back line. Breen has been Tipp's go to man marker in the opening two rounds of the Allianz Hurling League.