Talking points as Limerick look to negotiate massive Cork challenge

This Sunday Limerick travel to Croke Park to face Cork in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship semi-final. It is Limerick’s first appearance at this stage since 2014 where they were defeated by Kilkenny in an epic.

However, Limerick’s first defeat of the Cats in 45 years last time has seen confidence in the county soar. A first All-Ireland final berth in over a decade is within reach of Limerick, yet they must first overcome back to back Munster Champions.

The pair have already met in the championship this year with nothing to seperate the sides in an unforgettable clash in Cork in early June. Ahead of the highly anticipated rematch, we look at the some of the talking points heading into the game.

Rematch

All neutrals tuning into Croke Park this Sunday will be hoping for a repeat of the Munster Championship week 3 classic earlier in the Summer. It was a pulsating affair that saw the sides exchange points throughout the first half with neither able to gain the upper hand.

However, just prior to half-time, Aaron Gillane was dismissed after an off the ball incident. Limerick had the game all square by the 41^st minute before Patrick Horgan netted to retake the lead. Yet, Cork were unable to pull away from an inspired Limerick side who were led by Seamus Flanagan and Tom Morrissey who notched 0-14 between them. Despite their man disadvantage, Limerick looked to have the game sewn up, taking a three-point lead into the final ten minutes.

But, Cork rallied and took the lead themselves in injury time through Patrick Horgan before Kyle Hayes levelled the game at 0-28 to 1-25. With the similarities between Croke Park and the redeveloped Pairc Ui Chaoimh, fans around the country will be expecting another thriller between the great Munster rivals.

Cork v Limerick Full-Time highlights pic.twitter.com/6xRQQi5Z5F

— The GAA (@officialgaa) June 2, 2018

Match Ups

In Cork, John Kiely got his match ups spot on and he will need to do the same this weekend if Limerick are to progress. Cork have several attacking options that can win games single-handily, yet none are as dangerous as Patrick Horgan who is arguably the form forward in the country.

If Sean Finn, or Richie English can get to grips with the Glen Rovers man, it could be telling for the outcome of the game. This is also true for Seamus Harnedy, Conor Lehane and Shane Kingston, who have all been in brilliant form for the Leesiders.

On the flip side, Cork must ensure that they are not as exposed as they were in Pairc Ui Chaoimh. Even without Aaron Gillane for majority of the game, the Cork backs were unable to contain the Limerick forwards.

Munster GAA Senior Hurling Championship Round 3, Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Cork 2/6/2018
Cork vs Limerick. Limerick’s Tom Morrissey scores a point from a free. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie

Damien Cahalane will be hoping he does not have to face up to Seamus Flanagan once again after the Feonagh man ran him ragged last time out. Similarly, Cork will have to put a plan in place to counter Tom Morrissey who is one of the fore runners in the Hurler of the Year race after some sublime performances this Summer.

Strength in depth

In Thurles against Kilkenny, Limerick entered the final 10 minutes with the game in the melting pot. After giving their all for the opening sixty minutes, John Kiely was able to call on his substitutes bench to see out the game. Limerick’s strength in depth is something that has not gone unnoticed with high quality replacements at all positions.

Limerick were able to call upon three All Ireland Club Winners entering the closing stages in Thurles in the form of Peter Casey, Shane Dowling and William O’Donoghue. Casey was sparkling on his introduction, bagging a brace of exceptional points while Dowling also added a score.

All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Qualifier Round 1, Nowlan Park, Kilkenny 1/7/2017. Kilkenny’s Joe Lyng tackles Peter Casey of Limerick. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan

Cork are a fast and athletic team will try run Limerick into the ground in the wide-open pitch of Croke Park. If they are able to get a run on Limerick, Kiely will need his bench to come on add fresh legs when it comes to crunch time. The options off the bench also allow Kiely the luxury to change his game plan if needed by adding players of Dowling ability who provides a completely different outlet than the likes of Mulcahy or Gillane.

Experience

Much has been documented by Limerick’s youthfulness and their lack of fear. However, playing at Croke Park can bring added extra pressures. Nicky Quaid and Declan Hannon will be the only Limerick players this Sunday that will have tasted senior Championship action at headquarters prior to Sunday. Much of the side have played Minor Semi-finals and Finals at Croker but this will be a completely different experience in front of 70,000+ if the current ticket sales are to be believed.

GAA Hurling All Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final, Croke Park, Dublin 10/8/2014
Kilkenny vs Limerick. Limerick’s Declan Hannon watches his shot go wide. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan

Herein lies an advantage for this Cork side who played an All-Ireland semi-final in Croke Park 12 months ago. Majority of that side remains, as do a number of the team that reached the decider in 2013 before been beaten by Clare in a replay. Both counties will be faced with a stadium full of fans who are desperate to see their team reach the promised land, whoever can handle this expectation better, will be the ones to make it to All Ireland final day.