THIS Sunday at 3.30pm, the Limerick senior hurlers will run out at Croke Park for the All Ireland semi final against Tipperary. It is by no means a novel pairing, but this is actually, Limerick and Tipperary’s first meeting ever in a semi final. The battles have always been at provincial level, so this unique event will see both sides 70 minutes away from meeting Kilkenny in the final.
Next Sunday’s game will, in fact, be the tenth clash between the two sides since 2000. Those games include three replays. It took extra-time to separate them in the first replay in 2005 and two years later it took extra-time in the second replay to separate the teams. Limerick’s famous win in the trilogy series was their only success against Tipperary this decade.
Limerick are back in the All Ireland semi final after a two year wait. Of course, in 2007, Limerick won the semi final against Waterford, so Justin Mc Carthy’s men will be looking for a repeat of that 5-11 to 2-15 win this Sunday. Limerick’s last semi final before that was in 1996, so the odds are stacked against the Limerick players. The squad only has one player still playing since that day, Mark Foley. The experienced Adare man is still going strong at number seven. Tipperary on the other hand have been in the semi final more often in this decade. Last year saw the Premier side beaten by Waterford. In 2003, the Tipp men were beaten by Kilkenny. In fact you have to go back to 2001 for Tipperary’s last semi final win, a replay victory over Wexford.
With stats like those just mentioned, this game is very much in the balance. Tipperary of course are here on the back of a Munster title win. Limerick have had to come through the qualifiers. The question now arises again – is the break for Tipperary better for a team, or will Limerick’s victories stand to them more. Sunday will let us all know.
Tipperary have scored an average of 3-16 and conceded 1-19 in their three games so far, defeating Cork, Clare and Waterford in that process. Limerick on the other hand have scored an average of 1-15 and have conceded an average of 1-15 also. This tells you one thing in my view. Limerick are always involved in close games and to this point anyway, they have come through.
Limerick have finished all their games well this season and Tipperary have struggled for scores at times. The free flowing movement of the Tipperary forwards often comes to an abrupt end mid way through the second half of games.
News from the Limerick camp is that manager Mc Carthy has a clean bill of health and Niall Moran, (broken finger) should play some part. With form returning to stalwart Andrew O Shaugnessy and the emergence of players such as Paudie Mc Namara and Gavin O Mahony, Limerick are not to be ruled out. Some bookmakers have Limerick at 4/1 and Tipperary at 1/5. Not that Limerick need any motivation to play Tipp in an All Ireland semi final, but those kind of odds do not reflect what Limerick are capable of. The spine of the side is strong. Lucey, Geary, O Mahony, O Grady, Ryan and Mc Namara have all shone this season. Dogged wins over Dublin, Wexford and Laois prove that Limerick are the old dogs for the long road.
As Limerick GAA fans know only too well, anything can happen in Croke Park. The fans are ready. The team is ready. The scene has been set. Kilkenny await the 15 men brave enough to accept the challenge and grab the game by the scruff of the neck.
If it’s 70 minutes of hard and tough hurling you are after, then head to Croke Park. These sides never give or ask for an inch. Limerick will surprise a few people this year yet. God knows what can happen. All I know is that it’s on at 3.30pm in HQ and when the green and white meet the blue and gold, all bets are off.
Finally, if you have not bought your ticket yet, The following are the ticket prices and availability. Adult Stand 45 euro, Juvenile Stand 5 euro (only available in the Cusack and Davin Stands). Student & OAP – At the Concession Stile (Purchase Adult ticket first) Cusack and Davin Stands only Block D. Season Ticket through Stile C1 Cusack Stand. Terrace 30 euro. Wheelchair Passes Available 45 euro incl Carer. Special Group/Team tickets available also. Juvenile 3 euro and one adult FOC in Ten (clubs only). General Public Ticket Sale – Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 6pm at the Gaelic Grounds.
Tickets are also available from Ticketmaster.
