LIMERICK hurling is on high again this week as both Na Piarsaigh and Effin will take part in Munster Club finals.Na Piarsiagh have qualified for the Senior Club showdown with Crusheen of Clare on November 27, while Effin will take on Kerry’s Ballyduff this Sunday in Kilmallock (2pm) in the Munster Intermediate final.
To this Sunday first, as Ballyduff will be seeking to bring the Munster title to Kerry for the first time, having reached the final with wins over Courcey Rovers (Cork) and Eire Og (Clare). Beating Cork and Clare opposition in the one season is a big achievement for any Kerry club and now Ballyduff are determined to complete an impressive treble by beating Limerick opposition.
Effin defeated Dunhill of Waterford in the quarter final, before defeating Aherlow of Tipperary in a high scoring affair.
Effin and Ballyduff have both scored an aggregate of 34 points in their two matches to date in their march to the Munster Club Intermediate Hurling Final.
Ballyduff have proved the more prolific goal scorers with four green flags, accounting for a total of 4-22. Effin meawhile have relied more on scoring points, getting 2-28 in their two matches.
Effin have the better defensive record of the finalists, conceding 2-21 in their two games compared to Ballyduff who have conceded 2-25.
Whoever wins the game on Sunday, refereed by Michael Wadding of Waterford will face Ulster champions Middletown Na Fianna (Armagh) in the All-Ireland Club Intermediate Hurling Semi-Final.
The last time a Limerick club won the intermediate hurling crown was in 2009. That year of course, South Liberties were the champions.
In the senior grade. Na Piarsaigh will contest their first ever Munster Club Final on November 27 at 2pm in Thurles. First time champions will be crowned as Crusheen (Clare) will play in their first final also.
Crusheen beat Carrigtwohill (Cork) in the semi-final on Sunday while Na Piarsaigh, appearing in the Munster championship for the first time, defeated Ballygunner in an amazing game in Waterford last Sunday.
The comeback by Na Piarsaigh shows that the gap they had between the county final and this clash was well used.
Na Piarsaigh’s ability to score goals will be a telling factor in a championship which can often be low scoring.
History is against the light blues though as Kilmallock (1994) were the last Limerick club to land the big prize.
Records are there to be broken however.
