Tommy Quaid aiming to lead Effin to first ever Limerick Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship title

AFTER falling short in three semi-finals between 2022 and 2024, Effin captain Tommy Quaid admits there’s a real sense of relief that his side has finally made it to the Lyons of Limerick Premier Intermediate Hurling final.Effin booked their place in their first ever PIHC final after they defeated Blackrock in the semi-final.

“We are very excited now, we are trying to get to a final every year and it is excellent to make that happen. We lost three semi-finals in-a-row and there is a sense of relief in it and there is a big sense of joy once it settles down,” Tommy Quaid told Leader Sport.

After an opening round defeat to Croagh-Kilfinny and a draw with Glenroe, Effin got things back on track then registering five victories in-a-row during the round-robin series.

“Croagh-Kilfinny was a tough one first day out, you saw how good they were making a semi-final as well. That was very important getting the draw against Glenroe.

“That was huge to be able to come away with a point and then built really strong from there which was nice to see that we didn't write it off after a bad result.”

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Quaid feels Effin have gotten the balance right between youth and experience on their starting XV. “We haven't done anything massively different, there is a good mix there between older players and a couple of younger players.

“And a lot of the players have really put their shoulder to the wheel this year and have kind drove on as well, it is nice when you see the results starting to come and being to be build on that.”

The Effin captain is hopeful that Limerick senior hurling star Patrick O'Donovan will be fit enough to line out in this weekend's final. O'Donovan missed Effin's victory over Blackrock through injury.

“There is massive competition for places and it does go to show that everyone gives it that little extra when you're down one of your main players to try and get to the final for him.

“And make sure that he has the chance to play in the final too, definitely throughout the year you have seen different players in and out.

“There's massive competition and I think that kind of shows then when it comes to championship day that you are getting that competitive training.

“Everyone wants that chance to be able to run out for your club on county final day and it would be massive to be able to give Paddy the opportunity so he could trust that we could get him there as well.”

Quaid came off the bench in the South Limerick club's win over Blackrock, but he doesn't see his role off the bench any differently to starting.

“I don't see it any differently, anything you can help with at all, whether it be doing water or shouting on encouragement or be it at training or anything like that, I don't see any difference in it,” he said.

He believes that manager Adrian Barrett has got things organised in the club.

“Adrian has been involved in hurling all through and then as soon as he finished playing hurling, he took management on straight away.

“It's a massive challenge for him, we've all played with Adrian and it's a huge difference for him to be the manager now but he has definitely brought a calm head to it. He is very organised and he will do everything he can to make sure the players get the best. I'm very grateful that he took on the role and that he has brought as much professionalism that he can as well.”

Despite, defeating Garryspillane during the round robin series, Quaid is expecting a big battle from their county final opponents.

“I ended up standing on the sideline watching them when we played them in the group game. They were down a couple of players the same day, a huge team massively confident and they are well able to hurl.

“They're looking to get back to the senior grade as soon as they possibly can, the same as ourselves,” he said.

Quaid has been delighted to see his brother Nickie recover from an ACL injury.

“It has been excellent for Nickie to be able to get back to that level. I was very surprised that he was able to get back in with Limerick, but even from a club point of view it is massive to have him around.

“It shows the dedication that he puts into his own recovery and everything and it is a excellent from a family point of view you only love to see him playing.”