Former Cork senior hurling manager John Meyler: ‘I think of 2018 all the time when I go to Limerick’

THE 2018 All-Ireland hurling semi-final between Limerick and Cork is a match that still brings painful memories for John Meyler.Cork appeared to be on the brink of victory against Limerick in the All-Ireland SHC semi-final seven years ago, holding a 1-24 to 1-18 lead after 63 minutes.

“I think of 2018 all the time when I go to Limerick. I think of it from both the perspectives of the 2018 All-Ireland semi-final and the U21 Munster final in 2017.

“Limerick have been there, they deserve great credit for being there for the last seven or eight years,” said former Cork hurling manager John Meyler.

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Limerick's response was impressive where they levelled the contest coming down the stretch. Cork's Seamus Harnedy looked to be through on goal and Nickie Quaid raced off his line to flick the sliotar away in a crucial intervention.

“I think about Robbie O'Flynn coming in from the Cusack Stand, the hand pass was up in the air and Seamus Harnedy caught it. If Seamus had played rugby he would have dived over the line but he went to hit it.

“In fairness, Nickie Quaid made a very good save. Those things happen in games, they're just defining moments. If we went on to get a goal or a point, I think we would have went on to win that game”

The sides headed for extra time and substitutes Peter Casey, Shane Dowling and Pat Ryan all made significant impacts off the bench to secure Limerick's place in the All-Ireland final for the first time in 11 years.

Only Richie English and Graeme Mulcahy from Limerick’s 2018 starting XV have departed the panel, both having retired. Cork have nine survivors from their 2018 starting XV. Meyler was also in charge of Cork when they suffered a 0-16 to 1-11 defeat to Limerick in the Munster U21 hurling final of 2017.

Sean Finn, Kyle Hayes, Aaron Gillane, Cian Lynch, Peter Casey, Tom Morrissey, Barry Nash and Barry Murphy were all part of that victorious Limerick U21 side.

Meanwhile, Patrick Collins, Mark Coleman, Sean O'Donoghue, Declan Dalton, Shane Kingston, Tim O'Mahony, Robbie O'Flynn and Jack O'Connor lined out for ’the Rebels’.

Meyler believes Cian Lynch is the player that makes this Limerick team tick and he has been hugely impressed by the Patrickswell clubman's performances.

“Cian Lynch is the mastermind really behind Limerick. If Cian Lynch is kept quiet, Limerick are not as effective in the transition from backs to forwards, he's connecting the backs and the forwards. He sees things before they happen really, that what makes him different from other players.”

Meyler feels that John Kiely's side are favourites heading into the Munster final this weekend.

“Limerick will be favourites for the Munster final, Cork will look to rectify what went wrong (in round robin fixture). Limerick are a fantastic hurling team, they play whatever way you like, whether that's physical, speed or skill. They have all the attributes really, you must bring your ‘A’ game when you're playing Limerick because you know what's coming from Limerick.”

Ger Millerick has been ruled out of this weekend's final. Robert Downey, Declan Dalton and Niall O'Leary all remain doubts for the game.