Derek McGrath has unique insight into Limerick and Waterford

DOON senior hurling manager Derek McGrath hasn't been surprised by Barry Murphy's successful switch to corner back for Limerick this year. McGrath made the decision to move Murphy into defence on Doon's historic run to their first county title last year.

“We just looked at something different, something worth experimenting. Other teams have done that over the years. When I was Waterford manager in 2016 Barry Nash was wing forward in the league semi-final against us. I don't think it's as a big relocation as maybe ten years ago.”

Murphy's attitude is something which impressed McGrath instantly.

“The basic components of Barry's play fit into being a defender as well as being a forward. In the modern game, you are so flexible now, you could find yourself as a corner back, but be free for an awful lot of the game or you could find yourself out the field tracking. Barry is a great guy, a real great attitude.”

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Adam English, Darragh O'Donovan and Eddie Stokes are some of the other Doon players who are part of John Kiely's Limerick senior hurling squad.

English impressed in Limerick's draw with Tipperary scoring 1-2. O'Donovan has put his injuries struggles behind him and the Limerick midfielder looks set to feature this weekend against Waterford.Meanwhile, John Kiely has drafted Eddie Stokes into the Limerick senior hurling panel this year.

“It's good for Barry, Adam, Eddie and Darragh to be involved in that set-up and to bring those values back to Doon is very welcome. I'm only in the process of getting to know them after ten months. The benefits are that they are sound, solid lads as much as anything else.”

McGrath guided Doon to their first ever county championship last year and the Waterford native didn't need to think long about whether he was going to return to the East Limerick club.

“Even outside of winning the county championship, I love it down there. The lads are a humble and hard-working bunch that are just keen on doing well and to get over the line with them last year was great for them and great for the parish,” added Derek McGrath.

“It's just trying to maintain those standards there this year and see can you work as hard this year. Albeit the dynamic changes a small bit when you've won one. It's a bit more difficult in year two, it's just hugely enjoyable for us, we never take it for granted.”

McGrath sees Limerick and Cork as the favourities to reach the latter stages of the championship.

“Limerick and Cork are still in most people's eyes the teams that are capable of going to different levels than anybody else. In terms of the freshness of the Limerick team, Adam English, Shane O'Brien and Colin Coughlan they've done a good apprenticeship there.

“They've done their fair share of their apprenticeships in terms of the years they have been involved. The strength of the their panel is huge there, it'll be very interesting to see if Limerick are in the Munster final what the team will be in comparison to the team that played against Tipp.”

The Shannonsiders make the trip to Walsh Park this weekend to take on Waterford.

“Confidence is high in Waterford because they have been winning. We've a dangerous team and a dangerous squad and we seem to have all our players back at the right time. You have to remember Waterford got three points in the championship last year. There is certainly a reference point there for Waterford to feel confident.”

Walsh Park holds 11046 spectators and the former Waterford manager feels the venue is an advantage to ‘the Deise’.

“It's where the players train in the lead up to the game. I think that's worth something, the confined nature of the field and everyone in top of you that should help.”