LIMERICK’s Cian Lynch made the short trip across the county bounds to Ennis today as he met up with Clare captain Conor Cleary ahead of Thursday night’s Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 Munster Championship Final. The teams face each other at Cusack Park in Ennis with the game to be broadcast live on TG4 from 6.45pm.
Clare created a little history last year when they won the Munster title for the third year in a row; the first time that had been achieved in the county’s history. Their goal now is to extend that winning run to four consecutive successes. Donal Maloney’s team were impressive winners against a highly fancied Waterford team at the semi-final stage in what was their only outing in the competition so far this season.
Limerick’s last success at this grade came back in 2011 when they came out on top against Cork after extra-time in an epic encounter at the Gaelic Grounds. They reached the decider following a hard fought and narrow win against Tipperary.
Speaking ahead of the upcoming final Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Aogán Ó Fearghail said; “Clare have been the standard bearers at this level for the past three years and it has to be said they are great champions. They play the game to an exceptionally high standard and demonstrate all the skills of the game.
“However Limerick have shown in their win against Tipperary that they too are an excellent side and I’ve no doubt this will be a very close game.
“I wish both teams the very best of luck”.
Ger Cunningham, Sports Ambassador for Bord Gáis Energy commented, “I have a feeling we’re in for something special in at Cusack Park on Thursday night. It’s a local derby. Clare are going for four Munster titles in a row and their neighbours will be doing everything in their power to stop them.
“Both sides have some exceptionally gifted individuals but more than that it is the teamwork and team ethic that stand out. This makes it a game that I am really looking forward to and with a big crowd guaranteed it’s sure to be a great atmosphere. The teams have shown great fighting spirit as well as great ability to come through their respective semi-finals. They won’t want to see all that hard work go to waste on Thursday”.
Throw in on Thursday, July 30th is at 7.00pm and the match will be broadcast live on TG4. Once again viewers will be able to interact and vote for their choice for Man of the Match with the use of the #LaochBGE hashtag.
