Semi-final spot on the line for Mullins' Limerick minors
Limerick take on Clare at FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles on Saturday afternoon
With a fortnight to dust themselves off and get back on the horse after the Munster final defeat, the Limerick minors hurlers are in All-Ireland quarter-final action this Saturday.
A trip to FBD Semple Stadium to take on Clare after the ‘Banner’ overcame their preliminary quarter-final challenge last weekend, beating Dublin 3-17 to 2-17 in an entertaining clash.
Goals from Ben Talty and two from Gearoid Madden saw Clare secure the victory in a game where the Munster County had to come from behind to get the win.
It’s a rematch of the April clash at Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg where goals from Gavin O’Brien and Shane Waters helped Diarmuid Mullins’ side to a deserved win.
It was one of two away wins in the round robin phase, as Limerick also won at Pairc Ui Rinn to book a place in the provincial final, where they were defeated by Tipperary.
With “loads of positives” to take from the Munster championship - and five competitive matches under their belts - Diarmuid Mullins’ side are in good shape as they commence the All-Ireland series.
“They acquitted themselves well,” Mullins reflected on the Munster final defeat against the team many people fancy to win the All-Ireland.
“They lost to a good Tipperary team, we have to move on now.
“We have to be positive about it and be upbeat about it.
“Young lads and young players bounce back quickly enough - what’s the alternative? - mope around for two weeks and not be prepared well? We’ll be prepared well.”
To get back to winning ways, the manager wants to see his side be more clinical in front of goal.
“We have to be more clinical with the chances that we get and that’s an area we’re going to have to work on but we’re determined to do that.”
On the other side of the draw, Cork take on Kilkenny in the second quarter-final taking place this weekend.
The ‘Premier’ County and Leinster champions Galway are already in the All-Ireland semi-final after their provincial successes.
The clash at FBD Semple Stadium throws in at 1pm this Saturday.