Footballers left in a tight corner – Limerick v Waterford preview

Waterford’s push for a quick return to Division 3 fizzled out at an early stage of the spring but there was no sign of panic. After all this was the year when Cork and Kerry came out on the one side of the draw and it opened the door for either Limerick, Clare or Waterford to make a provincial final. Recent events however have seriously dented the prospects of John Owens’ side taking advantage of this rare opportunity.

A combination of bad luck on the injury front and a lack of preparation time now leave the team on the back foot in the build up to Sunday’s quarter final. Owens may have to plan without three of his regular front six as Gary Hurney, Mark Ferncombe and Conor McGrath all look set to miss out. The absence of John Galvin also takes away a quality operator from the home side but undeniably Waterford’s loss is greater. Limerick coped admirably in Galvin’s absence last summer and went all the way to Croke Park and the last eight of the All Ireland series. A county like Waterford cannot afford to be without their captain, their top goalscorer in the league and their first choice centre forward.

The inadequate time to get the team in order also hinders the prospects of advancing to a semi final. After Waterford concluded their league programme against London at Fraher Field, the players were whisked away to their clubs for four successive weekends of championship fare. This left the management team with no free weekend to fine tune preparations or to organise a challenge match. The first fifteen minutes should demonstrate if they have managed to overcome this obstacle.

Much like Waterford, Maurice Horan’s men never took off during the league but they tend to peak for championship. Ian Ryan and Ger Collins pose the obvious danger in attack but the reliable Seanie Buckley and the emerging Eoghan O’Connor can also threaten. Even without John Galvin, Tom Lee and Paul Kinnerk form a steely midfield pairing. In defence they can count on the vast experience of Johnny McCarthy and Stephen Lavin and also the free taking talents of Brian Scanlon in the number one shirt.

So how can Waterford put themselves in the frame for an unlikely result? Despite missing out the entire league campaign, Paul Whyte’s accuracy from frees and from play simply cannot be left in reserve. Liam Ó Lonáin showed signs of returning to his best form with An Rinn especially in the game against Kilrossanty and Waterford need him to assume a leadership role on Sunday. As always the O’Gorman twins are left responsible for keeping the concession rate to a minimum. On this occasion their job will be to contain Ryan and Collins and are well capable of performing that task.

Waterford’s league success against the Shannonsiders in March pales into the insignificance given how circumstances have gone against them in recent weeks. Only a low scoring contest will keep them in the hunt for victory entering the home straight. The attacking flair of their hosts should prove the deciding factor and ensure a four or five point win.

Munster SFC Quarter Final

Limerick v Waterford
Throw in 3.30 at The Gaelic Grounds

MoReferee: Conor Lane (Cork)

Betting:

Limerick 1/3 Draw 8/1 Waterford 10/3