By:
Conor Martin
Barry Murphy is the headline omission from Limerick’s 36-man senior hurling panel named for the star of their Allianz Hurling League campaign.
Looking forward to this weekend’s Division 1A opener against Waterford at Azzurri Walsh Park, it was confirmed the Doon man will play no part in the campaign as the Treaty go in search of a first league crown since 2023.
His absence is striking, given his increased involvement last season. Murphy saw regular game-time in 2025 and was introduced at half-time in Limerick’s All-Ireland quarter-final loss to Dublin, making his exclusion one of the more notable calls from management.
Limerick Senior Hurling Panel Released:
John Kiely and his management team has released their 2026 Allianz Hurling league panel for the upcoming league campaign, All in Limerick GAA would like to wish the management and panel members the very best in the Allianz Hurling League pic.twitter.com/HOFwy2bbqb
— Limerick GAA (@LimerickCLG) January 29, 2026
Other big names have missed out on a place in the Limerick panel
Other absentees were largely expected. Seamus Flanagan, Micheál Houlihan, Fergal O’Connor and Jason Gillane have all been left out, having not trained with the group since the panel returned in late November.
Their omission points to a measured approach to the league, with player welfare and long-term planning clearly prioritised over short-term results.
Cian Lynch continues as captain for a second consecutive season, underlining his status as the on-field leader of this Limerick side.
William O’Donoghue is once again named vice-captain, maintaining continuity within the leadership group as the champions look to refresh and evolve.
Na Piarsaigh lead the way in terms of club representation, with five players included in the panel. O’Donoghue is among that contingent, further highlighting the club’s ongoing influence within the county setup.
Monaleen are next best represented with four players, while the remainder of the squad is drawn from a wide spread of clubs, reflecting Limerick’s depth and competitive club scene.
The panel itself is a familiar mix of proven performers and emerging options, with the league once again set to act as a testing ground. While results matter, the campaign is likely to be used to fine-tune systems, build depth and manage workloads ahead of the championship, especially after their shock exit last year.
Elsewhere, Limerick have been given the backroom boost of having Caroline Currid’s return to the set-up, who has been credited with helping the hurling powerhouses with the mental side of success in recent years.
Murphy’s absence will prompt discussion, but with Lynch at the helm and a strong core retained, Limerick remain well placed to use the league as a platform to sharpen their edge for the bigger tests to come.
Limerick Allianz Hurling League panel:
Limerick: Dan Morrissey, Tom Morrissey; Oisín O’Farrell, Colin Coughlan, James Coughlan, Aidan O’Connor; Seán Finn; Fionn O’Brien; Cathal O’Neill; Adam English, Darragh O’Donovan, Eddie Stokes; David Reidy, Nicky Quaid, Paddy O’Donovan; John English, Hugh Flanagan; Kyle Hayes; Shane O’Brien; Joseph Fitzgerald, Matthew Fitzgerald, Darragh Langan, Donnacha Ó Dálaigh; Fintan Fitzgerald; Ethan Hurley; Mike Casey, Peter Casey, James Finn, Vincent Harrington, William O’Donoghue (Vice-Captain); Colin Ryan; Diarmaid Byrnes, Aaron Gillane, Cian Lynch (Captain); Barry Nash, Gearóid Hegarty
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