AND THEN there were two. Limerick hurling have two teams left in contention for All Ireland glory following a difficult fortnight for the county.
Over the coming two weeks, it is make or break for the Minor and under 21 hurlers as they both now face into straight knock out games.
First up, the Limerick minor hurlers, managed by Leo O’Connor, take to the field this Sunday at 12noon in Thurles to take on Galway in the All Ireland quarter final.
Limerick enter this round having lost out to Tipperary in the Munster final on a scoreline of 0-20 to 0-17.
The two sides met in last year’s semi final where Limerick won out 1-27 to 2-9. Limerick will once more enter this Sunday’s clash as hot favourites, with the bookies and general public having little or no knowledge of how strong Galway might be, bue to their complete lack of competitive games to this point.
Limerick can call on the experienced services of Eoghan Mc Namara, Paddy O’Loughlin, Conor Byrnes, Seamus Flanagan and Peter Casey who all played against Galway last season.
The winners of the game this weekend will face Kilkenny in the All Ireland semi final on Sunday August 9 at 1.30pm in Croke Park.
Four days later, the Limerick under 21’s will take on Clare in the Munster final in Ennis. The game, which throws in at 7.30pm will see Clare looking to secure their fourth under 21 title in a row, while John Kiely’s men will be looking for a first crown since 2011, having defeated Tipperary 3-16 to 3-14 in a hard fought semi final. Clare enter the game next week unbeaten in 14 games and with home advantage, Limerick will be massive undersogs once more.
Probable Limerick Minor Team:
Eoghan McNamama (captain) (Doon), Thomas Hayes (Doon), Conor McSweeney (South Liberties), Jack O’Grady (Knockainey), Conor Byrnes (Murroe Boher), Paddy O’Loughlin (Kilmallock), Conor Houlihan (Na Piarsaigh), Darragh Carroll (Kilteely Dromkeen), Thomas Grimes (Na Piarsaigh), Kyle Hayes (Kildimo Pallaskenry), Mickey Mackey (Adare), Brian Ryan (South Liberties), Peter Casey (Na Piarsaigh), Seamus Flanagan (Feohanagh Castlemahon), Barry Murphy (Doon)
