THIS week started with even more off the field drama for the Limerick hurlers. Responding to calls in the national media, to “make more noise” the “Limerick 24” of the 2009 panel released a statement aimed at clarifying their view of the current actions been taken by the County Board.
The statement itself, which was not supplied or released to local media outlets, commented on the county boards supposed action of putting pressure on players to return to Justin Mc Carthy’s squad.
“There has been a deliberate and concerted effort by members of the Limerick County Board, the senior management and the backroom, team to influence the thinking of club delegates and the wider Limerick public. There has also been a deliberate and concerted effort to influence the younger players who have pulled out of the 2010 panel, with huge pressure being put on, using one player against another in trying to persuade them to change their minds. We will not play under the current management despite rumours, stories and spins to the contrary – most of them coming from the County Board and the current management team. There will be no more players returning to training. It is now up to the club delegates to address the matter with the County Board executive tomorrow night (Tuesday the 9th of March). The future of Limerick hurling is in their hands.”
Following that statement, the Limerick hurling public expected a vote of no confidence to be tabled at the county board meeting last Tuesday night.
This again, did not happen. In fact, County board chairman Liam Lenihan, has now asked that if club delegates need to address this matter further, then they will need to call an extraordinary meeting. This option would require delegates from five clubs to motion in favour of the meeting. At the time of going to print, there had been no call for said meeting.
So, to summarise, (as this saga is quickly becoming like a soap opera) the Limerick management team of Justin Mc Carthy and co. are still in place and will lead the Limerick team in this Sunday’s NHL tie against Waterford in Fraher Field Waterford at 2.30pm.
The 24 players from last season’s panel, only 10 of which were dropped back in October last, will continue to train alone, Cork style, with the help of Derry O Donovan, former Limerick and Offaly hurling trainer.
The future of Limerick hurling it seems is this Sunday at 2.30pm against Waterford. There may be more twists to come, but who knows. With the return to training last week of James O’Brien from Bruree, the opportunity is there now for all to return and draw a line under this whole thing while there is still time to prepare for the championship. Before then, the NHL and Limerick take precedence.
