LISTEN: Tom Morrissey looking to “block out” distractions ahead of Semi-Final

At times this year, Tom Morrissey has been like a one man wrecking machine for Limerick. The man from Ahane has been Limerick’s standout player for the country throughout the championship popping up with numerous big moments.

Although his brother Dan was named Man of the Match in the victory over Kilkenny, Tom was one of Limerick’s main instigators, chipping in with four points, two right at the death.

GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Quarter-Final, Semple Stadium, Thurles 15/7/2018. Kilkenny vs Limerick. Limerick’s Tom Morrissey celebrates scoring a late point. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Tommy Dickson

Yet, like his teammates around him, Morrissey refuses to get caught up in his and his teams exploits so far this Summer as they face into the biggest game of their young careers. Facing them is back-to-back Munster champions Cork who havent lost to Limerick since 2013, in the Munster final where Pat Horgan was sent off in the first half. Since that game Cork have dominated in Munster winning three out of a possible five.

They have yet to convert their Munster glory to All Ireland triumphs and have to go back to 2005 since their last All Ireland success. The current crop will be keen to change that and many of the team would have grown up playing against the likes of Tom Morrissey for Limerick, such as Mark Coleman, Luke Meade, Shane Kingston and Darragh Fitzgibbon.

Ahead of the All Ireland Semi-Final clash with Cork, Morrissey spoke about his sides consistency in implementing the game plan that is set out for them and trusting in their own ability to come away with the result regardless of the situation. This year alone Limerick have been doubted numerous times and come out the right side each time.

Jason Forde’s goal in the Gaelic Grounds, Aaron Gillane’s sending off in Pairc Ui Chaoimh or Richie Hogan’s goal to put Kilkenny into the lead in Thurles all stand out as moments where previous Limerick teams may have succumbed. Yet this crop are deliberate and precise in their preparation and are ready to react to any situation or tight corner they find themselves in.

“You want to get onto the next round and you want to win so we won’t really care how it looks, we’re going to stick to what we’ve been doing all year and stick to our game plan and implement that and hopefully that brings us out on the right side.”

The wing-forward also feels that the game in Cork will have little bearing on Sunday considering Limerick spent majority of the game down to 14 men. He insists that Cork will have analysed the game but will be preparing for a different, full-strength Limerick side.

“They’re won’t be much of a correlation. There’s a big difference for them playing against a five-man forward line to a six-man forward line, so what learning they get from it I’m not so sure because this game will be completely different and take on a mind of its own I’m sure.”

He has also acknowledged the winning culture his teammates have created underage and hopes that will be beneficial to the side come throw in on Sunday. He commended the input of Caroline Kerr who works as a sports psychologist and has helped with mental preparation ahead of Sunday’s game.

“We’ve all experienced occasions like this through our careers and I think it’s much the same, block out as much distractions as you can.”

Listen to the interview in full on the link below.