POSTSPORT spoke with new Limerick hurling manager John Allen this week. The Cork native is looking forward to the new challenge at hand. First of, we asked John, why Limerick?
“Well, the talent that Limerick have at the moment is something special. There are a lot of good young players coming through. It is not like I am taking over a team who have been together for years. The panel is changing and with the performances of the under 21’s last year, the future looks good for Limerick”.
Allen takes over from Donal O’Grady who took Limerick to an All Ireland quarter final as well as winning the National hurling league division two title. So, did Allen consult O’Grady before taking the role?
“I did yes. I spoke to Donal. I spoke to Jerry Wallace twice. I also spoke to Ciaran Carey at length. I didn’t buy a pig in bag, I suppose you could say (laughs). I knew what Limerick had to offer and the chats with the former management team showed me that there is potential there for Limerick to be successful”
With an All Ireland quarter final and a national title under their belts, Limerick players and more so fans will have expectations for higher things this season. Will John Allen be able for the pressure?
“Being the manager of an inter county team is all about pressure. When I managed Cork, winning an All Ireland was the minimum expected. Limerick has always been a sporting county. Limerick is generally successful at all sports, so I know the expectations will be there. We have to deal with them as a group and hopefully we can fulfill our potential and match the expectations of this sports mad county”
Allen and O’Grady were famous for inventing and nurturing a short style hurling. Can Limerick play this kind of game or will Allen change his style to suit his new crop.
“The style of hurling we will play will depend on the 15 we have out on the day as well as who we are playing. In 2006, with Cork, Kilkenny marked out card in terms of the short game. This Limerick team have some fantastic forwards. We might look at getting to them as quickly as is possible as opposed to delaying with the ball. We will know more in April and May I suppose”
In saying that, Allen has announced his panel. He has met the 29 men and has given them their winter schedule. However, teh door is not closed on any other player who thinks he has something to offer.
“The door is always open. We will play in the Waterford Crystal tournament and the league. The list we have now is for now. Anyone who shows form can still get back in there”
Limerick Panel 2011: David Breen, Kevin Downes, Shane Dowling, James O’Brien (all Na Piarsaigh), Paul Browne (Bruff), Tom Condon (Knockaderry), Declan Hannon & Wayne McNamara (both Adare), Seamus Hickey & Sean Tobin (both Murroe-Boher), Niall Maher (Doon), Brian Geary (Monaleen), Richie McCarthy and David Moloney (both Blackrock), Niall Moran (Ahane), Graeme Mulcahy & Gavin O’Mahony (both Kilmallock), Aaron Murphy (Hospital-Herbertstown), Mark Carmody, Seanie O’Brien & Thomas O’Brien (all Patrickswell), Donal O’Grady (Granagh-Ballingarry), Shane O’Neill (South Liberties), Nicky Quaid and Thomas Quaid (both Effin), James Ryan (Garryspillane), Stephen Walsh (Glenroe), Mark O’Riordan & Conor Allis (both Croom).
