LIMERICK GAA will be hoping for double success this weekend as Kilmallock and Bruff chase Munster Club glory.
Kilmallock, the Limerick county senior hurling champions take on Cratloe of Clare in the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday at 2pm, while Bruff face Cappoquin of Waterford, in Mallow, on Saturday at 2pm, in the Munster Intermediate final.
The senior final, to be refereed by Fergal Horgan of Tipperary, sees first time Munster finalists Cratloe taking on the two time winners Kilmallock in what is assured to be a classic final.
The county Limerick side, winners in their only two previous final appearances in 1992 and 1994 have been installed as underdogs for this game, despite a hard fought extra time win over Sarsfields of Cork in the semi final.
That 3-22 to 3-20 win over the Cork champions was one of the games of the season so far. Cratloe reach this weekend’s final on the back of a win over Ballygunnar (3-07 to 1-10) and a semi final win against Thurles Sarsfields. (1-18 to 0-14).
Cratloe, double county champions in Clare, will be looking to go one step further than their football counterparts who exited the Munster Club championship at the semi final stages last weekend in Waterford.
Ger O’Loughlin’s men will be wary of the threat of Cratloe’s inter county stars such as Conor Mc Grath and Conor Ryan, while former Clare hurlers Podge Collins, Sean Collins and Cathal Mc Inerney will pack a punch too. Much like in the semi final, Kilmallock will be lead from the front by Gavin O’Mahony and Paudie O’Brien while Graeme Mulcahy and the two O’Loughlins will add strength in the spine of the defence.
Gary Kirby’s Bruff side will be looking to add a Munster crown to what has already been a hugely successful year. Bruff defeated Lixnaw in the semi final, while Cappoquin accounted for Feakle.
In other GAA news, Glin will take on Kill of Waterford this Sunday in the semi final of the Munster Junior Football club championship. Throw in for this game at Newcastlewest is at 2pm also.
