GAELIC SPORTS WORLD Issue 2 Sample Test, June 5, 2014 | Page 15

By Denis O’Brien

LIMERICK PASSION GETS THEM THE WIN
Another week and yet another thriller in the
Munster Hurling Championship at Semple Stadium Thurles in County Tipperary. Limerick and
Tipp went at it hammer and tongs in an epic battle
on Sunday June 1, and when the dust had settled it
was the defending champions Limerick who were
left standing and into another Munster final.
An epic game where the second half ebbed this
way then that. For long periods of that half it looked
to be heading the way of another draw as in the
prior week‘s quarter final between Cork and Waterford. In the final moments, Tipp led by three points
before a game changing goal from Limerick’s Shane
Dowling, who had received from Kevin Downes,
levelled the game for the ninth time. It had been
a draw at half time 1-8 a piece with TV pundits declaring that favourites Tipp should push on. Limerick had promised much after winning Munster last
year only to disappoint in the All Ireland quarter
final to eventual champs Clare. More was expected
but they failed to deliver. However they had beaten
Tipp in the corresponding Munster semi-final last
year – as underdogs – but their 2014 league campaign, though respectable didn’t sparkle and lost at
the quarter final stage. Underdogs again ahead of
renewed rivalry with Tipp.
When Tipp’s Gearóid Ryan, left unmarked, blasted to the net early in the second half, one thought
that maybe the pundits were right and the blue and

gold would push on but it didn’t happen. The teams
had exchanged the lead several times in the opening
half with a Shane Dowling 16th minute blasted 20
meter free edging Limerick a goal ahead. Four minutes later Tipp replied with Patrick Maher breaking
through the Limerick’s defence and just about got a
shot away for a goal. But Limerick had resolve on
their side and wouldn’t be easily beaten as a brace of
scores put three between the sides again. Momentum swung to Tipp before the break as they looked
the sharper when clawing back to level.
It was anybody’s game in a thrilling up and down
the field second period. Often Limerick over complicated the short game when longer ball was needed. For the last quarter, Limerick switched full forward Kevin Downes out to the half forward line and
put Shane Dowling inside, the move would prove
crucial. Tipp looked to have the edge when pushing
two clear on 61 minutes but were left off the hook
after referee Barry Kelly disallowed a Limerick goal
after implying Dowling fouled Padraic Maher before Graeme Mulcachy crashed home– it looked a
very harsh call. When Tipp went three clear moments later it looked like Limerick were done but
Dowling’s late goal with Downes assist turned the
game to Limerick and they had the nerve to tack on
a brace of points to earn a great victory. It was pure
will to win, pure passion that got them there in the
end. They’ll be a tough nut to crack from here and
will want to make up for last year’s fade.

CORK MUST RESHUFFLE KEY POSITIONS

After the match Cork manager, Jimmy Barry
Murphy, said after preparing very well that he was
surprised by Cork’s lethargy in the game when allowing Waterford to dictate things for large parts
of the match. However, the re-trying of Cian McCarthy at centre forward from the off – a position
he’s had before and never nailed down – was a

surprise as Seamus Harnedy made that spot his
own last year and in many ways was responsible
for Cork’s near All Ireland success. Harnedy has
to start at centre forward in the replay this Sunday, June 8 and Bill Cooper must also start on the
half forward line if Cork are to defeat Waterford.
Cork’s midfield is still hit and miss and needs improvement.
Waterford bring back injured players who
missed the first game with Shane O’ Sullivan to
midfield and Shane Fives to wing back. After experimenting with Michael Walsh at midfield last
time he returns to centre-back with Kevin Moran
restored from there to the centre of the field.

Photo: David Duff

The prior week in the Munster quarter final on
May 25, underdogs Waterford surprised last year’s
All Ireland runners-up Cork with a sterling display of hurling. A more experienced Cork team
looked to be down and out midway through the
second period behind by nine points but then
a goal by excellent Cork second period sub, Bill
Cooper, led to their comeback and eventual draw.
Both Cooper and Pat Horgan – who switched out
to the half forward line in the second half proved
crucial for Cork in this game.

Expect another Munster epic on Sunday. Waterford can surprise again.

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