NEW Limerick hurling manager John Allen has had to learn on his feet this week, that any comings or goings in Limerick hurling circles is treated as a big story by some members of the national media.The Cork native met with a select number of players last Saturday in the University of Limerick, where fitness tests took place and personal training programmes were handed out.
The news that some of last year’s panel will not be required this season made the headlines this week. All of this “breaking news” coming on the back of no offical panel even being named.
Two players from last year’s panel, Donie Ryan and Damien Reale have announced their retirement. The Garryspillane and Hospital/Herbertstown hurlers have been members of the Limerick panel for several seasons and their contribution to Limerick hurling is to be admired. Both of course played massive parts in the journey to the 2007 All Ireland final. Reale captained the side that year.
If rumours are to be believed, then the following have been omitted from the initial training squad. Brian Murray (Patrickswell), Stephen Lucey (Croom), Paudie McNamara (Murroe Boher), Pat Tobin (Murroe Boher), Paudie O’Brien (Kilmallock), Eoin Ryan (Kilmallock) and Ciaran O’Rourke (Bruree)
Of course, the GAA is not like any other sport, in that those players mentioned are not totally out of consideration for re-entry to the panel at any stage.
John Allen was unavailable this week to speak to PostSport, however a source close to the Limerick set up, insured us that there is no official panel named as of yet and when it is, the players will be the first to know, folllow of course by Limerick’s loyal fans.
Allen and his backroom team of Ciaran Carey, John Kiely and Eamonn Meskell will keep a keen eye over the sessions in the coming weeks, as well as assessing the progress of Na Piarsaigh in the Munster Club Championship. Na Piarsaigh will play newly crowned Tipperary champions Drom & Inch on November 13 in the Munster club semi final.
The talent is undoubtedly in the county. It is just a matter for the management team to keep a harmonised squad. There is also a responibility from fans and media in particular to dispell silly rumours instead of passing them on.
The downfall of Limerick hurling in previuos season’s has been miscommunication and lack of true understanding. If the county stands behind the team. Anything is possible.
