LIMERICK GAA has never been represented in the All-Ireland intermediate club hurling final. This weekend Effin could well create history by becoming the first from this county to reach Croke Park for the big February occasion. Effin will face Na Fianna of Armagh in Birr at 2pm this Sunday.
Both Effin and Na Fianna/Middletown of Armagh were extremely impressive in the march to the All-Ireland semi-final. Both sides won three games each. Middletown scored a total of 10-49 in their wins over Carrickmore, Lamh Dhearg and Castleblayney.
Effin, who were promoted from the junior ranks a year earlier, had close calls in a very competitive Munster championship. The men from the south trailed Dunhill of Waterford by a point at half-time in the first round but battled back well to win by six points on a day when Tommy Quaid scored 0-9 of their 0-13 total. His brother, Nicky, the current Limerick senior goalkeeper, was in inspiring form at centre-back and maintained his rich vein of form throughout the rest of the campaign.
It took a late goal by Darren Sheehy to clinch an Effin win over Aherlow in the semi-final while they had three points to spare over Ballyduff in the final. Effin trailed by a point (0-8 to 0-7) at half-time but the Pete Finn-managed side improved dramatically in the second half and kept Ballyduff scoreless for 21 minutes en route to a three point win.
Pictured are Brid O’Sullivan, asst manager and Pat O’Connor branch manager of AIB Charleville presenting training gear to Ger Power Chairman and team manager of Effin Limerick County Intermediate Hurling Champions. Also in photo are John P O’Donnell team capt, Denis O Donovan Selector and Robert Cagney.
Finally, David Breen, of Na Piarsaigh, has been announced as the Limerick Senior Hurling captain for the 2012 season.
