Fresh faces fire as Dempsey gets off the mark | Talking Points from Limerick’s McGrath Cup win over Waterford

Limerick began their 2023 campaign with a comfortable win over Waterford in Mick Neville Park on Wednesday evening.

It was a routine win to start for Ray Dempsey as his Limerick side brushed aside Waterford in the first round of the McGrath Cup in Mick Neville Park on Wednesday evening.

The Shannonsiders hit the net four times in the 17-point win which marked the beginning of the Ray Dempsey era. The Mayo native handed five debuts on the night with a number of positional changes to the team we have become accustomed to.

Cathal Downes, on his first appearance, and Adrian Enright hit the net in the first half with Downes and Killian Ryan goaling within a minute of each other in the second period as Limerick cruised to the 4-14 to 0-9 victory.

The result means Limerick will qualify for the McGrath Cup final if they defeat Tipperary in the second round on January 14.

Despite the standard of the opposition, it was a bright start to Dempsey’s time in charge as we look at some talking points to come from the contest.

Fresh Faces Flourish

Clearly willing to give youth a chance, Ray Dempsey’s first team as Limerick manager saw Cathal Downes handed his debut with others like Barry Coleman and deputy goalkeeper Aaron O’Sullivan named from the start. Downes more than repaid his managers fate with a pair of goals, highlighting different aspects of the game. The first saw him anticipating a crossfield pass from Coleman as he palmed into the net. The second showed his composure as he sent the dispairing Waterford keeper the wrong way to put the game to bed. Elsewhere, his strength in the air was obvious as he demonstrated his ability to play across a number of positions. A star for the Limerick U20 Hurlers in 2021, his addition to the Football is a big one.

Barry Coleman started last year’s McGrath Cup clash with Tipperary but didn’t see any more game time in 2022 with the Rathkeale native dealing with some niggling injuries. On Wednesday Coleman showcased the best of his game, with a willingness to run from deep as he set up the second goal on the night. Limerick have been blessed with wing backs in recent years and Coleman looks like the latest.

Elsewhere, Brian Barry fisted over on his debut while 20-year-old Ruadhan O’Connor was also handed his debut after a stunning season for Newcastle West. David Connolly also returned to the side at corner back where he was solid. Granted, there are plenty of players to come back into the side with Hugh Bourke, Donal O’Sullivan and Darragh Treacey surefire starters when available. But it is a huge plus for Dempsey that there is competition for places from the off.

Positional Switches Aplenty

Looking at the team that Ray Dempsey did name, there were plenty of noticeable positional switches sprinkled across the park. Sean O’Dea, Cillian Fahy and Robbie Bourke were the only players to start in the same line as they did in last year’s defeat to Cork in Pairc Ui Chaoimh. Gordon Brown reverted to corner back, Cian Sheehan was pushed forward to midfield, while Brian Fanning anchored the defence at #6 instead of his usual #3. Adrian Enright moved into the full forward line while Paul Maher and Killian Ryan were both selected in the forward line.

Fanning has become one of the premier full backs in the country but excelled at centre back where he chipped in with a couple of scores. Sheehan was similarly impressive in midfield, adding a pair himself. Enright was a constant threat in the full forward line and while the aforementioned trio are guaranteed championship starters, their performances on Wednesday mean they could be utilized in new positions.

Paul Maher and Killian Ryan both looked like seasoned forwards with the Adare native bedding into the roving role of a wing forward with ease. Ryan was a constant outlet in the full forward line, bagging a goal and setting Robbie Bourke clear at one stage with an outrageous pass.

Working so well against Waterford, expect more positional switches for Tipperary.

Bigger Tests Lay Ahead

And speaking of Tipperary, the Premier county are sure to provide a far sterner challenge than that of Waterford. The Deise started brightly but were a shadow of themselves in the second half, where they went a half hour without a score. The performance does little to hint at a positive 2023 for the Division 4 outfit. Contrastingly, while it was a win for Limerick, it will do little to heighten expectations with Tipperary promising to be a more accurate gauge of where the side are.

Tipp are back in Division 3 for this season after falling just short of Cavan in last year’s League final on the same day as Limerick were beaten by Louth in Croke Park. The 2020 Munster champions have regressed in the last two years but will fancy their chances against Limerick despite a relatively comfortable loss in last year’s Munster semi-final against the Shannonsiders.

Likewise, Limerick will feel they have too much for Tipperary as they seek to cement their place as the #2 team in Munster behind All-Ireland champions Kerry. Victory will secure a McGrath Cup final spot for Limerick with Cork/Clare the likely challengers following the Rebels win over Kerry on Wednesday. A place in the decider would provide the perfect preparation for Derry in the first round of the League later this month but first a tricky Tipp assignment must be navigated.