Hurling fever is gripping Limerick this week as a county waits expectantly. The countdown to Sunday’s double header is now well and truly underway as Limerick, for the second year in a row, launch a double assault on Munster glory.
Limerick seniors take on Cork in the Munster Final, a game that will be preceded by the minor final featuring the novel pairing of Limerick and Waterford. Both games are at Cork’s Pairc Uí Chaoimh with the minor final getting underway at 2pm and the senior showdown at 4pm
Limerick minor manager Brian Ryan is bidding to lead Limerick to a seventh success in the Munster Minor Hurling Champ-ionship and a first ever back-to-back success in the competition. His senior counterpart T.J. Ryan is hoping to steer the Shannonsiders to a 20th Munster senior hurling success and a first-two-in-a row since 1980/81.
Towns and villages across the county and city are draped in green and white as the build-up to Sunday gathers momentum. The scramble for precious tickets continues unabated as hurling fans endeavour to be part of a very special occasion that will be played out in front of what is expected to be a sell-out 32,168 crowd.
Both Limerick camps are reporting a clean bill of health ahead of the finals as they chase a third ever senior and minor double.
Standing in the way of a slice of history are Cork legend, Jimmy Barry Murphy and his Cork charges and a very highly fancied Waterford minor team.
Granagh-Ballingarry’s Donal O’Grady and Patrickswell’s Cian Lynch will lead Limerick’s bid for double glory.
All is now in readiness for the big showdown on the banks of the Lee. The talking is over, let the hurling begin and we hope Donal and Cian will bring the silverware back to the Shannonside. A very busy weekend for Limerick G.A.A. fans kicks off on Saturday when John Brudair and his senior football squad make the long journey to Sligo for the third round of the All-Ireland Senior Football 3A qualifiers series. The game gets underway at Markievicz at 4pm.(See full match previews on pages 47-59).