Liam Cahill has characterised January as a “balancing act” month as managers juggle the return of pre-season competitions, strength and conditioning requirements, and players’ Fitzgibbon Cup commitments. Speaking after recent challenge matches, Cahill, John Kiely, and Ben O’Connor noted the logistical issues involved in fulfilling the schedule of New Year’s fixtures. For Cahill, the return of the Co-Op Superstores Munster Hurling League, after a year off, means they will have to adjust their All-Ireland winning template from 2025. “We did play a number of challenges in January last year, so these Munster League games will be organised as competitive challenge games, for the want of a better word. “I'm praying that the weather will play ball and that we'll be able to get out and play those games.

Source: Irish Examiner January 01, 2026 02:43 UTC