LIMERICK beat Cork last week in the Bord Gais Energy Munster Under 21 Munster final. The game, which ended, Limerick 4-20 Cork 1-27 is being heralded at the greatest game of hurling ever seen. Broadcasters TG4 have been in undated with requests for the DVD of the game. Believe me, it was that good.
The honesty of effort and will to win shown by both teams was a joy to behold. The ebb and flow of the game led to 52 scores in just over 80 minutes. The extra time period was like something out of a Hollywood blockbuster. No one knew what was going to happen. The occasion engrossed all those watching on TV and made the night magic for those in attendance.
Indeed the pitch invasion at the end was almost a case of people coming on to the pitch to make sure the game they had just watched was real.
Limerick now face Galway in the All Ireland semi final on August 20th. Limerick looked to play the game in Thurles and they succeeded in getting same fixed for the ‘home of hurling’.
Speaking to PostSport this week, Limerick manager Leo O’Connor, himself an All Ireland under 21 winner with Limerick in 1987, said that “things have been manic”.
“The lads had their one night out and they have been back in training this week. We have trained Monday and we will train again Thursday and Saturday. We are two game away from an All Ireland title. Now is not the time to be stopping. We are not going to throw away what we have done up to now”
O’Connor’s backroom team of Pat Davoren, Pat Donnelly and John Kiely will have a full squad to pick from for the semi final. The only real doubt is Kevin Downes who is touch and go with a hand injury picked up in a club game. Kevin will be given all the time he needs to get back into action. With Galway and Dublin or Antrim in Limerick’s way for an All Ireland crown. This could be their year.
With the greatest game ever under their belts. They can do it.
