Munster League launched with Tipperary to face Kerry and Waterford in early January action

Co-Op Superstores has confirmed it will once again sponsor the Munster Hurling League for 2026, continuing its partnership with Munster GAA ahead of another highly anticipated pre-season competition.

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The renewal ensures the competition will carry the Co-Op Superstores name for the coming season, underlining the retailer’s ongoing commitment to hurling across the province and to the communities it serves throughout Munster.

The 2026 campaign gets underway on Saturday, January 3, with a major early test for Tipperary as the All-Ireland champions welcome Waterford to Clonmel Sportsfield.

That Group B encounter throws in at 2pm and is expected to attract strong local interest as Liam Cahill’s side begin their preparations for the Allianz Hurling League.

Elsewhere on the opening weekend, Clare host reigning Munster champions Limerick in Tulla in what promises to be another competitive start to the tournament.

Tipperary are grouped alongside Waterford and Kerry, with further fixtures seeing the Premier County travel to Austin Stack Park to face Kerry on Sunday, January 11. All games in the competition will be broadcast live via Clubber, with TG4 also providing coverage, including Cork’s opening outing away to Limerick on Wednesday, January 7 at 7.35pm. That match will mark Cork’s first competitive appearance under new manager Ben O’Connor.

The Munster Hurling League final is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, with the venue to be confirmed. The official launch of the competition took place in Raheen, Limerick on Tuesday, December 16, with inter-county players from all six participating counties in attendance, including Tipperary’s Willie Connors.

Munster GAA chairman Tim Murphy said the return of the competition was a welcome development for counties ahead of a demanding season.

“After a two-year gap, the Munster Council is pleased to facilitate this pre-season competition for our counties as it provides participating teams with a great opportunity to prepare for the very competitive Allianz League starting in late January.

"With the Liam MacCarthy Cup residing in Munster every year since 2018, each county needs to take every opportunity to find that bit extra. The Co-Op Superstores Munster Hurling League is the first step on the ladder and we thank Co-Op Superstores for their continued support.”

Dairygold CEO Michael Harte said the sponsorship reflected shared values between the co-operative and the GAA.

“We are extremely proud of our partnership with Munster GAA in what is a most exciting and competitive era for hurling in Munster,” he said.

“Like the GAA, Co-Op Superstores is committed to the communities it serves. Supporting local initiatives and development at club and county level is hugely important to Dairygold and our Members, and we are delighted to support this competition again in 2026.”

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FIXTURE SCHEDULE

Group A: Waterford v Tipperary, Saturday January 3 at Clonmel Sportsfield @ 2pm;

Waterford v Kerry, Wednesday January 7 at Cappoquin Logistics Fraher Field Dungarvan @ 7pm;

Kerry v Tipperary, Sunday January 11 at Austin Stack Park Tralee @ 1pm.

Final: Saturday January 17 at 3:15pm, Venue TBC.