Limerick manager John Kiely will be sweating over the fitness of six key players as his side's Championship opener against the Banner draws closer.

Diarmaid Byrnes (knee), Alan Dempsey (hamstring), Declan Hannon, Peter Casey (foot), Gearoid Hegarty and William O’Donoghue (hip) failed to line out for the respective clubs in action over the weekend and are now running out of time to prove their fitness for the June 4 championship clash in Thurles.

The Limerick Leader reports that Barry Nash, Graeme Mulcahy, David Dempsey and Aaron Gillane were all carrying slight knocks but did line out for their respective clubs last weekend to allay fears over their fitness.

Despite round two of the Limerick club hurling championship taking place this weekend, there is an inter-county challenge game with Limerick travelling to play Waterford in Dungarvan on Sunday evening at 7.00pm.

Clare will host League Champions Galway behind closed doors in Cusack Park on Tuesday.