THIS Saturday night, live on Setanta Sports, Limerick take on Cork in round two of the National hurling league. A few seasons ago this game would have been top billing, something Setanta still believe I presume, but with all that has gone on in recent months and years, this game is now a must see for a different reason.
Limerick, still battling on with the new panel for 2010 were unlucky to lose out to Galway last Sunday afternoon. Indeed the seven point margin flattered Galway. Speaking after the game Limerick manager Justin Mc Carthy commented, “We played very well, showed great heart and determination. Maybe if we scored the penalty, that could have changed the result but in fairness I was delighted with the way they competed.”
Mc Carthy continued to add that he felt that performance would go a long way to answering his critics, “I would say so, yeah. There was massive support, which was great.”
Some fans who attended the game may point the finger at the fact that Galway have five new debutantes of their own as well as being deprived of their Portumna contingent.
The game against Cork this weekend will tell a lot. Cork made light work of Offaly last weekend and will be looking at Limerick as an ideal opportunity to get two wins under their belts.
Limerick on the other hand will be looking to build on the performance last weekend. The new breed now have experience of hurling at the top level and a home game once again will only be of benefit. A win for Limerick on Saturday night might just put an end to all this saga. Although, some people may never be happy. The question really is, would we have beaten Galway last week with the old panel? Answers on a postcard please.
