Limerick champions Ballybrown look ahead to 'formidable' challenge in All-Ireland Junior B semi-final

BALLYBROWN are 60 minutes away from an All-Ireland final as the Munster Junior 'B' champions look to keep their winning run going on Sunday when they face Offaly's St Rynagh's in Killeedy (2pm).

The Clarina men are bidding to become the third Limerick side in a row to win the competition after Kildimo-Pallaskenry and Monaleen won the last two editions at the west Limerick venue.

St Rynagh's are looking to make some history of their own as no Offaly club have reached the final of the competition hosted every year by Killeedy.

Andrew Cliffe and Ethan Keyes has been in free-scoring form for Ballybrown - Keyes hitting three from play in the Munster final after notching 0-5 in the provincial semi-final win over Inagh-Kilnamona.

"It's great for the club and great for the lads," said manager Dave Flaherty. "We've had a few years of bitter disappointment but this year we have excelled."

READ MORE: Limerick champions Ballybrown celebrate Munster club junior B hurling final win

After a three-point win over Silvermines last time out, Flaherty is expecting another tough challenge on Sunday.

"Any team playing at this stage of a competition is formidable. You don't have to tell a Limerick man that an Offaly team is never beat."

This Ballybrown side have plenty of experience of playing at a higher grades but Flaherty says the impact of some of the younger players have helped get this pushed this team to the next level.

"We have a good mix. We have players who have played senior club hurling and a few new names too. That balance is one thing we have got right this year."

Tommy Larkin's of Galway take on Tipperary's Silvermines in the other semi-final this Saturday (Killeedy, 2pm).