THE Limerick senior hurlers face Wexford this Saturday night, in round two of the All Ireland Hurling Qualifiers at the Gaelic Grounds. (Throw in 5pm)
The two counties met at the same stage two years ago, that time in Wexford, where Limerick came out the winners on a scoreline of 1-13 to 0-14. This weekend’s game should be just as tight. The championship is now a straight knock out and the Limerick management team know that this game is “Do or Die”
Speaking to PostSport this week, Ciaran Carey, captain of Limerick in the All Ireland final of 1996, against Wexford, feels that this weekend, will be a tough hard fought game.
“Every game against Wexford is hard fought. Wexford are a traditional hurling county and every score is earned. Back in 2009, the game was played in horrible conditions, but both teams hurled their hearts out for the win. Limerick and Wexford are similar in that sense. Both are full of pride and love for the game” commented the Patrickswell clubman.
The selector’s thoughts are echoed by the team manager, Donal O’Grady.
“The thing about the qualifiers is that it is knock out, but the build up is different to championship weekends. Wexford, I know, will be happy to come to Limerick and hurl at the Gaelic Grounds. This match up will be eagerly looked forward to in Wexford. They (Wexford) hammered Antrim and they only fell away from Kilkenny in the last half an hour. They will be a huge threat and it will be do or die”
Limerick’s heartbreaking defeat to Waterford in the Munster championship gave more positives than negatives to the squad. The players have been back with their clubs since and only Damien Reale looks to be a doubt ahead of Saturday night. Carey believes that Limerick will need all their players to be on form to try and get the win.
“Wexford are a 15 versus 15 style of team. They will man mark and try to limit our space. Their full forward line of Berry, Jacob and Sinnott can be lethal and we know that we must take our chances when they come. We have the players focused on that alone. We need to take our chances in what is now a do or die situation”
The morale in the camp has been high since the Waterford game. The panel now know that they are not far off the top teams in the country. A point manager O’Grady agrees with.
“We know that we could have beaten Waterford, but that is championship hurling. You have to take your chance when you get them. Sometimes in Division two hurling you will get more chances than you deserve and also your sloppy play will not be punished as much. Championship hurling is totally different. We need to be earn the scoring opportunities and we need to take them once we have them. For this team, the proof will be in the pudding”
Indeed, this Wexford side will be a massive test for Limerick. The aforementioned full forward line will be the main area of focus for Limerick’s backline. The majority of Wexford’s play comes from there and Limerick will be looking to stem the supply more than get involved in individual duals.
With ticket prices being reduced for this game, Limerick will be looking for a large support this weekend.
This season’s backroom team alone deserves that following for all they have done so far.
