GAA
Things come full circle for Maurice Horan as Kerry host Limerick in the Munster Football Final.
Few that were in attendance at Limerick’s previous Munster final appearance will forget an absorbing encounter as the Shannonsiders pushed the defending All-Ireland champions all the way in Killarney.
John Galvin had Limerick off the mark almost instantly and was on hand with a goal to level proceedings with a quarter of an hour to play as Mickey Ned O’Sullivan’s side looked on the cusp of a first title since the 19th century.
Kerry rallied with the final three scores of the game to break Limerick hearts as O’Sullivan departed the set up with Maurice Horan announced as his replacement.
Horan, a Mayo native who represented Limerick, was faced with Kerry in his first championship game in charge as the Kingdom saw off the Shannonsiders with ease in the provincial semi-final.
A month later the teams were paired again in Limerick’s first ever All-Ireland quarter-final where Kerry proved too strong in a 1-20 to 0-10 win, the last meeting of the teams.
This weekend, it will come full circle for Horan as he pits his wits against Jack O’Connor and Kerry once again as part of Lee’s management team as he couldn’t refuse the Newcastle West man’s offer to get involved in the senior scene after working with his brother Joe during his three year stint as manager.
“It’s been a great year for Limerick football, a lot of positives. It’s been building for Billy and all the rest of the backroom over the last number of years. The platform has been set down for the success to happen this year. I don’t think we have reached the ceiling yet. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ve had some great times with Limerick football over the years, and very excited to be involved.
“I saw a lot of exciting things happening even when things weren’t going well. He was going about it the right way, patient approach, trying to do the right thing for Limerick football all the time and it was an easy thing for me to get involved in.”
Horan’s impact on the current side has been evident and with Horan living in Tralee, he could be the ace up Limerick’s sleeve.
Limerick face Kerry in the Munster Senior Football Final in Killarney this Saturday at 3pm.