IT was a case of déjà vu for Limerick Hurling fans this week as another internal crisis managed to derail preparations for the opening round of the Munster Championship against Tipperary on May 27.Limerick hurling legend Ciaran Carey announced his resignation from the Limerick senior hurling backroom team in an article which appeared in last Sunday’s Sunday Independent newspaper.
The article, which quoted Carey’s reservations about the teams fitness levels ahead of the championship season opener, came as a shock to management and players alike. The players only heard of Carey’s plan to leave in the article itself. All of this unfolded ahead of Limerick’s game against Dublin in Cappamore last weekend.
Carey, who was well respected amongst the players was quoted in the article as saying, “I had issues with how the team were physically prepared and that trend has been there for a while now. We faded badly in the second half against Clare and that should never have happened. We were eight points up and in control but when Clare moved up a gear we were unable to follow and that should not be the case at this level”.
Carey continued, “I was disappointed not to get the job when Donal O’Grady got it and it was a double blow not to get it last time round,” he said. “I decided to stay involved when asked by John Allen and I was quite prepared to give him my full backing but over the past few weeks I have just not enjoyed it”.
Limerick manager John Allen has played down the resignation stating that he believed Carey was resigning due to “time constraints” and that he could no longer commit full time to Limerick. It has also been confirmed this week that Allen will not seek a replacement for Carey. Allen will continue with selectors John Kiely and Eamonn Meskell as well as coach Donach O’Donnell.
The loss of Carey, for whatever reasons, is another blow for Limerick. The almost annual ‘fall out’ has happened once more. Maybe this can now clear the way for a proper run at Tipperary.
