On Saturday evening Liam ‘Chuck’ O’Connor will seek to guide his Waterford minor hurlers to a third Munster final in succession for the first time since the mid nineties. Given the fact that the county only hold four titles in this grade it would mark a considerable achievement.
If Waterford’s victory over Tipperary signalled intent, then Limerick’s eight point success over Cork was equally impressive. Shane Dowling at number eleven in particular is central to the visitors’ hopes of a first final appearance since 2005. He was part of the Árd Scoil Rís team so narrowly denied an All Ireland colleges title by St Kierans two months ago. Four more members of that talented side will be on show for the Shannonsiders this weekend. Jack Aherne and David Reidy are also attacking threats worth noting. Aherne’s sideline cuts will need watching while the work rate of the forward division overall is also a feature of their play.
Jake Dillon carries the scoring responsibilities for the home side after a powerful display against Tipperary. That burden will be eased however by the return of Gavin O’Brien who fired ten points for his club last weekend. The side shows two changes from the one that defeated the Premier county with O’Brien replacing Jim Power and Shane McNulty in for Chris Kervick. Jamie Barron scored 1-8 for Fourmilewater a week ago but he remains posted at corner back. Big displays will also be expected from Ray Barry at midfield while Cein Chester and Adam O’Sullivan combined for 1-5 from play in the quarter final. The substitutes bench is also significantly strong with Cathal Curran and Donal Breathnach returning from injury while Michael Harney and Cormac Heffernan made telling contributions last time out when introduced.
Form lines are always difficult to follow at minor level. The last competitive game either side played fell at the tail end of April. The bookies make Limerick close to 2/1 outsiders which gives scant credit to the work put into the team and the talent available. Indeed looking at both line ups an entertaining tussle could be in store here with the influence of both centre forwards (Dillon and Dowling) pivotal in deciding the outcome. If Waterford can match their display against Tipperary, capitalise on the returning players and home advantage, a third Munster final in a row lies in wait on July 10 ahead of the senior decider.
Munster Minor Hurling Semi Final
Waterford v Limerick
7.30 at Walsh Park
Referee: Fergal Horgan (Tipperary)
Odds: Waterford 8/15 Draw 9/1 Limerick 7/4
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