NA Piarsiagh will head to Thurles this Sunday to play in their first ever Munster Club Hurling Final, against Crusheen of Clare. (Throw in is at 2pm and the game is also live on TG4 and Limerick’s Live 95fm).Having won the Limerick title for the first time this year, Na Piarsaigh are now attempting to add further honours in what has been a glorious season while Crusheen are also hoping to win the provincial title for the first time.
It all adds up to what should be a special occasion in Semple Stadium. Na Piarsaigh, managed by former Clare star, Sean Stack, beat a fancied Ballygunner (Waterford) side in the semi-final (3-9 to 0-12) with Shane Dowling scoring 1-4 and county stars, Kevin Downes and David Breen each landing a crucial goal.
That win sets them up for a shot at the title which was last won by a Limerick club in 1994 when Kilmallock landed the great prize. Crusheen, who won the Clare title for the first time last year, retained the county crown this year and stepped up another gear in Munster, beating Cork champions, Carrigtwohill in the semi-final (0-19 to 1-10) after turning in an excellent second half performance.
Pat Vaughan (0-6), Patrick Meaney (0-3), David Forde (0-3) and Jamie Fitzgibbon (0-3) were in prolific form for the Michael Brown-managed Clare champions who will be attempting to bring the Munster crown back to the Banner county for the first time since Sixmilebridge were successful in 2000.
Na Piarsaigh Chairman Timmy O’Connor, speaking to PostSport this week said that the side owe a debt of gratitude to their mentors. “Sean Stack, Paul Beary, PJ Breen and Donal Hartnett deserve huge praise for what they have done with this bunch of lads. The work put in to this side is easily seen when they take to the field”
The final comes on the back of an already great season. “We wanted to win the county this year and then we are taking each game as it comes. No one really gave us hope against Ballygunner, but this team is not yet finished surprising people”
The final, to be refereed by Johnny Ryan of Tipperary will be a battle royale between Crusheen’s backs and Na Piarsiagh’s high flying, goal getting attack.
The Kieran Bermingham lead Na Piarsaigh side will be looking for a repeat performance from the Ballygunner semi final if they are to be crowned kings of Munster for 2011.
The winners of this weekend’s tie will face Loughil Shamrocks from Antrim in the All Ireland semi final.
