Limerick GAA urge fans to ‘bring the noise’ to home minor final
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Limerick teams have only won three Irish Press Cups with the last one being 42 years ago
LIMERICK GAA is urging supporters to “bring the noise” as the county’s minor hurlers take on Tipperary in a rare home All-Ireland final in TUS Gaelic Grounds on Saturday.
Canadian superstar Michael Bublé will be belting out his heartfelt hit “Home” in nearby Thomond Park on Sunday night but the previous afternoon, at 3pm, Limerick GAA want a similar performance from fans at the nearby Ennis Road venue to make their home advantage count.
Traditionally, the All-Ireland minor finals were played in Croke Park before the seniors took to the field but that has changed in recent years. It gives young and old the perfect opportunity to see the next Declan Hannon, Cian Lynch, Aaron Gillane et al judging by the stellar performances they have produced on their journey to the final.
Limerick only have three Irish Press Cups to their name with the last one being 42 years ago in 1984. The county’s last appearance in a minor final was 10 years ago.
A top Tipp team will be favourites after already beating Limerick twice, including in the Munster final, but it could be third time lucky with a vocal crowd behind the young Treatymen.
Limerick minor hurling manager Diarmuid Mullins is sure there will be a good crowd on Saturday. His young charges have improved throughout the season, putting a fancied Galway team to the sword in the semi-final in Ennis two weeks ago.
“Ennis was a nice venue really for the semi-final. For the minor games, when they are not played with senior games, it's important that there's a compact ground that you can get a little bit of atmosphere for the game, for the lads.
“There was a very good crowd at the Munster final between ourselves and Tipperary, so I'm sure there'll be a good crowd on Saturday in the Gaelic Grounds as well.
"That'll be great for the occasion and for the lads as well,” said Mr Mullins, a native of Portlaoise and principal of Crescent College.
Excitement was building in another Dooradoyle school – St Paul's National School - this Tuesday and it wasn't just due to the looming summer holidays or a celebration for retiring principal and Limerick GAA servant John Tuohy.
The boys and girls (pictured above) were cheering on the minors and showed their support by donning their Limerick jerseys for the occasion.
As well as turning up en masse on Saturday, Cuimhnigh ar Luimneach : Limerick Supporters Group have called on “all proud Limerick people to get up your flags and bunting now!”.
“Our minor hurlers are in the All-Ireland final! Our senior hurlers are in the All-Ireland semi-final!” they wrote in a post on social media.
Tickets for Saturday can be purchased via Ticketmaster - adults €20, students / pensioners €15, juveniles €5.
Meanwhile, tickets for the eagerly anticipated Limerick v Clare senior hurling semi-final in Croke Park on Sunday, July 5 go on sale this Wednesday at 2pm, again via Ticketmaster.
It is set to be a feast of gigs and goals in Limerick in the coming days with major headline acts taking to the stage in Thomond Park this Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights so locals will have the opportunity to clap to the music in the home of Munster Rugby and clap for our young hurlers in TUS Gaelic Grounds on Saturday.