LIMERICK manager John Kiely was a keen observer among the 35,000-strong attendance for the weekend All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship quarter-final double header at the Gaelic Grounds.
Although in situ for the early trimming of Dublin by Clare, the astute boss took a keener interest on Galway’s narrow defeat of Tipperary. It is of course Henry Shefflin’s side now that Kiely’s troops run-up against in the semi-final at Croke Park at tea-time on Saturday week.
By no means was the Galway Tipperary clash anywhere close to being a classic. For the most part it was a dour struggle, with both sides blazing wides aplenty.
It will be a repeat of their meeting at the same stage last season in which Limerick eventually came through by three points, with the bulk of the scores arriving from Patrickswell pair Aaron Gillane (8) and Diarmaid Byrnes (6). Two gorgeous points from the sometimes underrated David Reidy of Dromin/Athlacca helped seal the deal nearing the finish of a compelling contest.
On the re-match, Shefflin commented: “We’re looking forward to the challenge. We’ll be massive underdogs, obviously, but isn’t a great place to be, playing Limerick in an All-Ireland semi-final.”
He added: “I think we’ve a very strong group. The panel itself, the bench is stronger this year. I just think that little spark is needed somewhere. I was hoping that was going to come tonight but I think we got grit and determination. In two weeks, we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
“Hopefully, we’ll get some momentum from that (win over Tipperary). We’ve a lot of of work to do as well.”
Limerick have been made 2/5 favourties to account for Galway, and are 10/11 in the outright betting market for a fourth All-Ireland title on the trot.
The other semi-final at headquarters, on Sunday week, is the clash of Leinster kingpins Kilkenny and Clare. Not surprisingly, the Banner are tipped to come through here.
