Turning the tide

HAS the pendulum swung in Limerick’s favour, that’s the big question?
Justin McCarthy’s men entered last Sunday’s Munster hurling semi-final as underdogs, but a stunning recovery from six points down now leaves the Shannonsiders facing this Saturday’s replay in confident mood.


While Sunday’s game in Thurles represented the lowest-scoring Munster championship game in 24 years (Clare and Tipperary drew 1-8 apiece in 1985) the replay should present supporters with a better indication of what both sides are capable of.
Limerick report no fresh injury concerns while Waterford will desperately miss talisman Ken McGrath who, due to a knee injury, has been ruled out for the next six weeks.
Limerick have taken part in five Munster championship replays since 1996 winning two, losing two and drawing one encounter while Waterford, who have taken part in five replays since 1989, have won four and lost only one.
Since the game will not be televised live a crowd exceeding 30,000 is expected in Semple Stadium - the game will be streamed live on RTE.ie.
The Munster Council have confirmed that the Limerick and Waterford replay will have a 5.00pm start in Semple Stadium and that ticket prices have been reduced by €5.
Tickets will be sold in advance for both stands while cash will be accepted on entry to the terraces.
Tickets went on sale last Monday afternoon from Ticketmaster outlets while the clubs of Limerick received their allocations on Tuesday night.
On Thursday tickets will go on public sale from the Gaelic Grounds between 9.30am and 8.00pm.
Ahead of next Saturday Limerick captain Mark Foley has called for his colleagues to ‘raise their game’ and book a Munster final place on July 12.
“Overall we would be looking for a better return from play the next day - we scored 1-8 and that won’t win any championship game for you,” admitted Adare’s Mark Foley.
“Overall, whereas it was close and exciting at times, the standard wasn’t great and you would be hoping from a neutral perspective that the quality will be better the next time.”
Next Saturday’s replay has forced the postponement of round two of the Limerick’s Live 95FM sponsored county senior hurling championship which will now not take place until late July at the very earliest.
Meanwhile the corresonding Munster semi-final between Tipperary and Clare will take place at the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday (throw-in 4pm).

Jerome O’Connell