Preparations continue this Thursday night when Limerick play IT Tralee in Staker Wallace’s ground in Martinstown and it is hoped that another challenge game can be confirmed for Saturday evening in the Gaelic Grounds.
To date McCarthy and selectors; Brian Ryan, Liam Garvey and John Tuohy have used 45 players in games against UCC, Blackrock and Wexford.
On Thursday a number of Limerick players will get a chance to impress McCarthy when they line out for the Kerry college - Nicky Quaid and Michael Rea (Effin), Mark Deegan (Hospital-Herbertstown), Eoin O’Brien (Kildimo), Eoin Ryan (Kilmallock), Mikey Kiely (Ballybrown) and James Riordan (Templeglantine).
One player than won’t be involved in the coming months is David Breen - the Na Piarsaigh man withdrew from the panel to concentrate on his studies, but is expected to return to the panel later this year.
That means just five players (Paudie McNamara, Graeme Mulcahy, Bryan O’Sullivan, Paul Browne, Dave Moloney) from the 2009 panel will remain when Limerick open their NHL campaign on February 21 against Galway in the Gaelic Grounds.
The following Saturday Limerick face Cork under the lights of the Gaelic Grounds - Setanta Sport have confirmed that game as part of their live broadcast schedule.
Limerick’s competitive season commenced last Sunday in the Waterford Crystal Cup.
“There was great spirit there, great commitment and great intensity there, but you could see that the college had a lot of work put in and there touch and team work was that bit better,” said Justin McCarthy after the 0-19 to 2-9 defeat at the hands of UCC in Kilmallock’s Fitzgerald Park.
“I was pleased and the two goals were great and we had a couple of near misses as well.”
Despite all the off-field turmoil McCarthy said that he was having no difficulty preparing for the NHL.
“It’s hurling in the end so there is no difficulty. I just love the game and the lads are mad for training and they really get stuck in and we have no problems with fellas coming in,” said the embattled Limerick manager who refused to comment about any issues other than the game itself. Justin McCarthy also said that the performance against the Cork students was “very encouraging”.
“We have a lot of work to do, but they are young and they are very enthusiastic and I love their spirit and that is very important.
“They were all very committed and that is the main thing and if you look at UCC Bryan O’Sullivan was their best and he will be back with us,” said Justin McCarthy.
If McCarthy was unwilling to comment on the current impasse with 12 members of the 2009 panel selector John Tuohy was equally brief.
“I’m still in contact with them and we will see what happens in the future,” said the Patrickswell man, who is currently acting as a mediator with the 12 withdrawn players.
“The door is open,” he stressed.
Jerome O’Connell
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