McCarthy prepares to run rule over new-look Limerick

JUSTIN McCarthy will run the rule over his new-look senior hurling team for the first time this Saturday when Limerick play Wexford in a challenge game in Mallow.
Paudie McNamara is the only player still available for selection from the side that played in the All-Ireland qualifer in Wexford Park last July - eight of the team have withdrawn their services while six have been dispensed with by management.


Just one week now remains before Limerick play either Cork or UCC in Fitzgerald Park Kilmallock in the quarter-final of the Waterford Crystal Cup.
The management’s quest to assemble a panel have been hampered by the weather and training had to be cancelled this week while last weekend the panel had to be content with just an indoor session in Mallow.
Off the field of play the weather also forced the postponement of this week’s eagerly-awaited County Board Special Convention.
That convention and the first County Board meeting of 2010 will now take place in Claughaun next Tuesday night, January 19 at 7.30pm.
With the ratification of John Tuohy as a new selector on Justin McCarthy’s hurling management on the agenda, the on-going hurling saga is sure to be discussed.
In the past week Croke Park broke their silence on the stand-off which has almost stretched to three months in duration.
“In terms of getting involved, no. It is something we are reluctant to do. At the moment we will see how this evolves. I think Limerick know our views. We would like to have it settled and settled very quickly,” confirmed the GAA’s director general Paraic Duffy.
“But it is primarily a matter for Limerick and at the moment we are not getting involved.
“Obviously we would help, but we don’t see ourselves having a role in this. This is a matter for Limerick and we won’t get involved in it unless there is a request made,” said Duffy who also confirmed that GAA President Christy Cooney had been in contact with Limerick GAA officials.
“For the moment we will leave it with Limerick and see what develops.”
Duffy added: “We would hope it is settled before the start of the national league. We don’t want to go into the situation again where counties are fielding a weakened team - that doesn’t help the counties”.

Jerome O’Connell