THE freezing conditions are proving difficult for all sporting codes at the moment. Pitches are frozen over and games are being postponed by the minute. Another thing that seems to be frozen is the Limerick hurling saga. As the new year starts, it now means that Limerick hurling has had a scandal in every year of the decade. Dare I say, as Limerick approaches 37 years without an All Ireland crown, things are not looking good for the next 10 years either.
The newest twist in the now too long running drama is that more players have pulled out. In fact, it is easier now for me to list who is left from last year than to mention those who have walked away. The last remaining six are as follows: Paul Browne (Bruff), Paudie McNamara (Murroe-Boher), David Breen (Na Piarsaigh), Bryan O’Sullivan (Kilmallock), Graeme Mulcahy (Kilmallock) and Dave Moloney (Blackrock).
With Limerick’s first competitive game of 2010 scheduled for January 24, when they face either Cork or UCC in the quarter-final of the Waterford Crystal Cup, things are not looking good. There may be a panel of players picked for that game, but the voices of discontent, are looking for the old guard to return. Indeed it now appears that no one is good enough to manage the Limerick team. No matter whom has managed the side since 1973, they have never been good enough. When you see former managers quoted as saying “Justin should step down” it is then you realise that we, as a county, have not learned a thing. Maybe it is time to just move on and get to the next stage of the withdrawal process. It is becoming too much of a clip show for all to take. It is time to end this all now, before 37 years becomes 47.
