FORMER Limerick hurler Ciarán Carey said that he expects ‘business as usual’ performance from the Limerick team in Sunday’s Munster final clash against Tipperary.
The Limerick man has spoken before of his faith in Kiely’s men, going as far as saying that this team can emulate what the Dubs have been doing in football.
Speaking ahead of the game, Carey said that his confidence in the squad stems from something he saw a few years ago. Even though the other teams have sharpened their swords in regards to the physical side of the game, the confidence doesn’t waiver.
“I saw something brewing a few years ago with this squad. You need to strike while the iron is hot and the gap isn’t as wide as it was. If you look at it three or four years ago, Limerick were blowing teams off the park with their power and strength. Ever since, Waterford have improved in that area, Tipperary have improved, Cork have improved and Clare hugely, have improved.”
Tipperary vs Limerick
Tipperary’s Barry Heffernan and Seamus Flanagan of Limerick
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
The Patrickswell man believes that this Limerick team has what it takes to win games even when they’re not at their best – a crucial trait in any good team.
“This Limerick team playing below par still have enough to beat teams.”
“I don’t want to sound overconfident here, but I’m not convinced yet that I’ve seen enough in this Tipperary side to be capable of derailing this Limerick squad.
“I’m hoping it’s business as usual. I’m hoping to see Limerick up it another notch with the title of the game, what’s at stake for the game. Sunday’s performance is probably going to set out the start of their All-Ireland series,” Carey said.
Ciarán knows from his own experience that anything can happen on Munster final day and was quick not to discount a few motivating factors for Liam Sheedy’s Tipperary side.
“If Tipperary are really hurt and I imagine they will be a small bit hurt because of the trouncing we gave them on a few occasions, I suppose that in a combination with the Liam Sheedy factor, could be enough.”
Tipperary vs Limerick
Limerick’s Kyle Hayes with Tipperary’s Ronan Maher
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ken Sutton
Having said that, Carey doesn’t expect them to have enough to beat ‘mature’ Limerick.
“Our squad is very mature, they’re very composed. Even looking at the semi-final display, we were probably a bit below par but we have skill and ability all over the field that’s capable of lifting it.”
“Take Kyle Hayes at this moment of time for example, he’s the one player that you can put any number on his back and you’d be confident he’ll do a job.”
The game throws in at 16:15 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday and is being shown on RTÉ2.
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