THE Limerick senior hurling team face Clare this Sunday in Ennis. As the team runs out on to the field, they will be lead by a new captain, Gavin O Mahony and they will be lead also by a new backroom team. Is this finally going to be Limerick’s year? Can the issues of the past be forgotten? Can the new man make a difference?
Donal O’Grady, All Ireland winning manager with Cork and known also as an excellent RTE Panelist, will be the new man in charge. O’Grady is joined on the sideline by Limerick legends Ciaran Carey, Pat Heffernan and TJ Ryan. The backroom team is as strong as ever and the panel is shaping up nicely.
The returning players will be expected to show by their performances on Sunday, that they were right to opt out for a year. In more ways than one, this is a massive game for Limerick.
Clare may not the ideal opponent for your first game, but Limerick hurling has always liked a challenge. The news this week ahead of the game is that Stephen Lucey and Mark O’Riordan will be available for selection, as will James Ryan, who this season has pledged his commitment to hurling only, having starred for the footballers in recent years.
With Limerick not taking part in this season’s Waterford Crystal Cup, this is Limerick’s first competitive outing. The joints favourites for the Division 2 title, Limerick and Clare, will be going all out for a win, which will set the tone for the games to come against Carlow, Westmeath, Laois, Down and Antrim.
Limerick have played recent challenge matches against Dublin, Offaly and Kerry. The most interesting thing on view in those games was Limerick’s intensity. With O’Grady at the helm, Limerick fans can look forward to a season of high tempo, hard hitting, skillful hurling. Something that has been sorely missing from the green and white.
(Throw in in Ennis on Sunday is 2.30pm)
Limerick Hurling Panel for the National League: Brian Murray, Tadhg Flynn, Nicky Quaid, Tom Condon, Damien Reale, Stephen Lucey, Richie Mc Carthy, Stephen Walsh, Kieran O Rourke, Mark O Riordan, Gavin O Mahony, David Moloney, Wayne Mc Namara, Brian Geary, David Breen, Thomas O Brien, Donal O Grady, Paul Browne, Seamus Hickey, Paudie O Brien, Mike O Brien, Niall Moran, Brendan Hourigan, James Ryan, Niall Maher, Kevin Downes, Eoin Ryan, Declan Hannon, Pat Tobin, Sean Tobin, Andrew O Shaughnessy, Paudie Mc Namara, Graeme Mulcahy, Donie Reale, Donie Ryan.
