Limerick vs Tipperary Preview
Limerick and Tipperary clash at TUS Gaelic Grounds on February 9th for the first time since the Shannonsiders sent Tipp crashing out of the Munster Senior Hurling Championship. Both sides qualified for Division 1A last season and remain unbeaten in league action.
Tipperary have impressed in their two performances so far with a standout forward line. While Limerick showed resilience in their draw away from home in their season opener. Can Tipperary gain revenge after their two defeats last year, or will Limerick continue to dominate their provincial rivals?
Limerick vs Tipperary Predictions
Score Prediction: Limerick 1-19 – 0-17 Tipperary
Tipperary finished second in 1B last season and has proved their worth in the NHL 1A with two excellent wins. Their free-scoring form has impressed fans and they take an early lead at the top of the table. However, Limerick may pose more issues to them than their previous opponents, and they must contend with their excellent home form.
Limerick had a superb 2024, qualifying for Division 1A after topping 1B with an unbeaten record. The promoted side had an entertaining reintroduction to the division when they drew with Cork last week. It was an impressive result against a side that finished third last season. They now play their first home game of the season against their promotion partners and our GAA prediction is for The Shannonsiders to find their first win of the season.
The Shannonsiders have outstanding balance throughout their squad with top-class players in every position. They have an experienced core and the likes of Cian Lynch, Kyle Hayes, and Gearóid Hegarty will be key in this match. Lynch’s playmaking ability, coupled with Hayes’ dynamic runs and Hegarty’s leadership and scoring, makes the Treaty County a formidable opponent. Declan Hannon leads their back line and has proven to be one of the most solid in the country. He will be crucial in keeping Tipperary’s forwards under control.
Limerick’s defensive strategy is built on discipline, positioning, and versatility. With players like Dan Morrissey and Hannon, they can match the power and pace of any attack. Their midfield pairing, often a combination of Will O’Donoghue and Darragh O’Donovan, provides an ideal balance between work rate and skill. The experience and cohesion of the Limerick team are undeniable. Their ability to win key moments in matches will be critical on February 9th.
Limerick have shown a glimpse of their impressive defence already this season. They held a Cork side who were the top scorers in the division last season to just 19 points in their opener. Tipperary have been in fine scoring form but the Shannonsiders have the back line to keep them quiet.
Limerick’s depth, experience, and ability to control games should allow them to dictate the pace for most of the match. However, Tipperary can make this a tight contest, particularly in the first half. If Limerick can weather any early storm and assert dominance in the second half, they should have enough to secure a victory.
Tipperary’s attacking style will be their primary threat in this game. Jason Forde, Seamus Callanan, and the young talent of Jake Morris will be pivotal for the Premier Men. Forde’s scoring ability and Callanan’s experience in crucial moments give them a cutting edge in attack. However, the key to Tipp’s success will be their ability to link play and maintain possession in the middle third.
In terms of overall strength and cohesion, Limerick enters this game as the favourites. Their team is more settled, and they have the advantage of recent success, which breeds confidence. Tipperary, though, cannot be underestimated. They have the potential to surprise, especially if their forward line clicks and they can generate the same kind of intensity they showed in their 2024 victories.
Limerick vs Tipperary Betting Tips
Limerick is an overwhelming favourite for this match. They have the home advantage and defeated the Tipp in their encounter in Division 1B last season. This game will be tight but we are confident of a win for the Shannonsiders. A bet on Limerick to win is worth 4/11.
Tipperary performed terrifically this season and could outperform their price at our online bookmaker. The last meeting between these sides ended with just one point separating them. Tipp have won their opening two fixtures and they are worth 5/2 to make it three from three for anyone betting on hurling.
Handicap Betting
Limerick are three-point favourites here, but we think that handicap may be slightly too far out. They have been strong defensively, but Tipperary have been excellent in attack. The last meeting between these sides ended with just a point between them. We like a bet on the Tipp at a +3 handicap, worth 10/11 for anyone betting on the National Hurling League.
Points Total
There were 51 points between these sides the last time they met and Tipperary have proven to be strong point scorers in Division 1A so far. Limerick have an excellent defence and can also back that up in attack. We think this could be another high-scoring affair though and like a bet on the over/under.
Limerick vs Tipperary Head-To-Head and Key Stats
These sides met twice last season, once in the National Hurling League and again in April in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship. Limerick was victorious in both games. They maintained their perfect start to the Munster SHC with a dominant 2-27 to 0-18 win over Tipperary at TUS Gaelic Grounds, despite a suspected broken leg for Peter Casey after his 53rd-minute goal.
The Treaty County extended a five-point halftime lead to 15 early in the second half, completely outplaying the Tipp. The visitors had been within four points up to the 44th minute, but Limerick broke the game open with Aaron Gillane’s goal and a flurry of points. Contributions from the bench proved their strength in depth.
Tipperary struggled throughout, with Jason Forde and Jake Morris having a rare off day when shooting, while Limerick’s middle third dominated. A rain-soaked pitch and strong breeze made conditions challenging. However, the Shannonsiders’ clinical play and strong individual performances from Aaron Gillane, Tom Morrissey, and Peter Casey sealed the win. The injury to Casey cast a shadow, but Limerick’s power and depth were evident in a comprehensive victory.
Tipperary have enjoyed an impressive start to the season, picking up maximum points from their opening two games. They last played on February 2nd, hosting Wexford at FBD Temple Stadium. The Premier County waltzed their way to a 1-22 – 0-19 victory, sending them top of Division 1A.
Tipperary secured a comfortable 1-22 to 0-19 victory over Wexford, despite a valiant effort from the visitors. The Premier County led 0-12 to 0-8 at halftime, with Darragh McCarthy contributing five points from frees and Willie Connors and Craig Morgan adding key scores from midfield. Wexford kept within touch thanks to Cian Byrne’s accuracy from placed balls and points from Jack Redmond but were rarely fewer than three points behind.
In the second half, Tipperary extended their lead with a penalty goal from Darragh McCarthy in the 59th minute after Craig Morgan was fouled. That eight-point cushion put the game beyond doubt, and it was clear there was no way back for Wexford. The Premier County maintained control, finishing with 12 scorers, while Wexford managed nine.
Limerick has played one game in the National Hurling League after conditions forced postponements on several games in GAA. They faced Cork on February 1st, playing to an intense 1-16 to 1-16 draw in a rain-soaked clash at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Darragh Fitzgibbon’s late free in the 80th minute secured a share of the spoils for Cork, with the Treaty County giving up a five-point lead.
The Shannonsiders started on the back foot, trailing 0-7 to 0-2. Limerick responded with a goal from William O’Donoghue to close the gap. Despite a strong second-half showing from Limerick, including two frees from debutant Jason Gillane, Cork mounted a comeback. A late deflection from Brian Hayes and Fitzgibbon’s equaliser in the dying moments earned Cork a draw.
