Visit of Tipperary brings back bad memories
THIS Sunday should have been redemption day for the Limerick senior hurlers, as Tipperary come to town in the National Hurling League.
It's just over seven months since the humiliation in Croke Park on All-Ireland semi-final day and while the scars of that 24-point defeat were always going to take time to heal, it's harrowing to think that Limerick hurling has found itself in turmoil for the last five months.
The depth of hurt from that August 16 defeat was bad enough, but somehow in the aftermath Limerick GAA has contrived to cut itself even deeper.
At least in defeat the county was united, but now the current hurling stand-off has players, officials and supporters divided down the middle.
On the field of play Justin McCarthy, Brian Ryan, Liam Garvey and newcomer John Tuohy are forging ahead with their new-look team.
Just Paul Browne and Paudie McNamara remain from the team that lined out against Tipperary last summer. They are joined by Bryan O'Sullivan and James O'Brien, who were both introduced as subs in that All-Ireland sem-final.
That quartet are among the 25 players that have seen league action to-date.
Alas, defeat has been there lot in the three games (Galway, Cork and Waterford).
The inexperienced panel now find themselves bottom of division one and relegation is a real worry.
The quest to avoid a drop to division two starts this Sunday (2.30pm) when Tipperary visit the Gaelic Grounds.
Liam Sheedy's side have two wins from three starts and are primed for a top two finish.
With Kilkenny due to arrive in the Gaelic Grounds on Sunda, April 4 ultimately it appears that Limerick will have to target the Dublin and Offaly away games to avoid the dreaded drop.
Limerick's team for Sunday's game against Tipp won't be named until later in the week.
However, it is expected that goalkeeper Tadhg Flynn will be rested.
The Kerry native was stretchered from the field in Waterford last Sunday, but a brief hospital visit confirmed no serious damage and he returned to Limerick that evening.
Regardless, Barry Hennessy is expected to start between the posts after some impressive saves when introduced against Davy Fitzgerald's side.
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Weather for Limerick
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South east
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Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
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