Davy Fitzgerald stands on the brink bringing Waterford to three Munster final appearances in a row, emulating Justin McCarthy’s achievement between 2002 and 2004. First of all however the ever unpredictable Limerick hurdle must be overcome and the favourites tag handled with care.
Waterford and Limerick games in the last decade have varied from the wildly entertaining to dour struggles. The 2003 drawn classic escaped live television coverage and featured a Paul Flynn hat trick, Andrew O’Shaughnessy’s debut and a controversial Eoin Foley equaliser. Limerick fans won’t forget the 2001 edition when Ollie Moran and Brian Begley inspired an incredible comeback to win 4-11 to 2-14 and signalled the end of Gerald McCarthy’s tenure. The 2007 All Ireland semi final ambush caught everyone on the hop on a day that O’Shaughnessy and Begley again exposed the full back difficulties in Waterford. Earlier that season Dan Shanahan’s haul of 3-3 in the Munster final paved the way to his hurler of the year award. John Mullane also proved unstoppable in the 2009 replay despite numerous attempts to curb his influence. The 2003 replay and 2009 drawn fixture however rank among the worst ever witnessed at Semple Stadium. The Examiner led with headline “Semple snore draw simply awful” to describe the latter game.
This game may fall between those two extremes. Although emerging from the Division 2 waters the Treaty County, in Seamus Hickey, Damien Reale, Brian Geary, Donal O’Grady and Niall Moran, have players who defeated Waterford at their peak in 2007. The addition of youth and pace provided by Kevin Downes, Seanie Tobin and Graeme Mulcahy also gives rise to the opinion that they won’t go under easily. If they make it a physical battle from an early stage, cope with the step up in intensity and utilise their speed in attack 2/1 will suddenly appear very generous odds. A team coached by Donal O’Grady with the momentum of eight consecutive wins under their belt shouldn’t be underestimated.
Waterford could also be satisfied with a league campaign which saw only two defeats to Tipperary and Kilkenny. Look closely however and you will see that four victories were achieved by no more than a goal. In games where they were expected to win, against Offaly and Wexford in particular, results were achieved with a great degree of difficulty. The question remains whether Davy can bring this team to the level of Kilkenny and Tipperary or remain in third position of the hurling rankings. The Limerick game is a must win in terms of progress and a guaranteed spot in the All Ireland quarter finals at the very least.
The team selection later this week will be awaited with much interest as will the tactical approach. If the management become overly concerned with Limerick’s strengths a low scoring dogfight may come to pass. This means relying on the defensive unit to keep goals at a minimum. In this scenario the two full forwards become crucial figures. Curbing Kevin Downes will be a priority for Wayne Hutchinson who is line for his debut at full back. Downes match winning goal against Clare flagged his promise so expect a good supply in his direction. Likewise Shane Walsh becomes crucial to Waterford’s ability to compile a winning tally. He scored goals in all of the last three league games and along with John Mullane he comes into the game as the most potent weapon of scores from open play. Both full back line combinations are untested and their ability to curtail the influence of either Walsh or Downes will undoubtedly contribute to the result.
Sunday’s clash mirrors that of 12 months ago against Clare in many ways. Despite their Division 2 status the Banner’s youthful outfit kept in contention right up until the last ten minutes when Waterford’s strength in depth and experience proved pivotal. Waterford are tipped to prevail again in similar circumstances with six All Stars in their ranks compared to Limerick’s none. Provided that the forward unit don’t become overly troubled by defensive duties another ambush should be prevented but the margin is likely to be no more than a score. As Davy consistently stated in the build up, he would gratefully accept that outcome.
Blue and White GAA Starting Fifteen: Adrian Power (Ballyduff Upper), Darragh Fives (Tourin), Wayne Hutchinson (Ballygunner), Noel Connors (Passage), Tony Browne (Mount Sion), Michael Walsh (Stradbally), Kevin Moran (De La Salle),Richie Foley (Abbeyside), Stephen Molumphy (Ballyduff Upper), Maurice Shanahan (Lismore), Shane O’Sullivan (Ballygunner), Pauric Mahony (Ballygunner), John Mullane (De La Salle), Shane Walsh (Fourmilewater), Brian O’Sullivan (Ballygunner)
Munster SHC Semi Final
Waterford v Limerick
Throw in 4.00 at Semple Stadium
Referee: Barry Kelly (Westmeath)
Betting:
Waterford 4/9 Draw 10/1 Limerick 2/1
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