WATCH | Billy Lee looking forward to “another big occasion” as Limerick prepare for Kerry battle in Munster decider

Hard work and grit were the stand out factors as Limerick overcame Tipperary to book first Munster final spot in 12 years.

Tipperary were no match for Limerick in this years Munster senior football semi-final as they breezed by the premier county beating them 2-10 to 0-10.

The Treaty men will face Kerry in the final in Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney at 3pm on Saturday 28 May

The two sides were well matched with Limerick just edging their neighbours, producing magnificent goals as if they were on the training pitch.

Reflecting on the game, Limerick manager Billy Lee was delighted with the improvement in his side over the last few years as they ended a run of three successive Munster semi-final losses.

Limerick bagged one of their goals in the first half but the game was still close and looked to be a toss up heading into the final quarter before Lee’s side took control as he said,

“We had some hard words at half time but you could see what they did in the second half when they went to try and win the game.

“Not playing well in the first half, not trying to win the game and then going winning it in the second half and seeing the lads growing and maturing, I get a lot more satisfaction out of that then I do winning a Munster final, they come and go.”

Limerick’s reward is a clash with Kerry in the Munster final later this month, a repeat of the 2010 decider, which was the Shannonsiders last venture to the provincial final.

Lee understands the ability and power of this Kerry side and is focusing on making sure his side get the most out of the game to take this team onward and upward from what has been a fantastic season for the Treaty men so far.

“It’s another step in terms of coming here with a bit of expectation, I know we weren’t favorites in the game according to the bookies, and that’s fine that’s not an issue but we have expectations of ourselves. All of a sudden then when you have them trying to carry them and play the football we want to play, we didn’t do it in the first half.

“They’re a level above where we are and I think if you go back to last year, they came here to Thurles and won by thirteen points, they beat Clare by 17 points, they beat Cork by 22, I needn’t say no more.

“It’s another big occasion, but one big occasion isn’t going to stay on Limerick football at the level we want it to be. They’re important steps along the journey but that’s not going to sustain, it’s doing the work, it’s being able to come to places like Thurles against teams that are at the level we’re at and being able to win them on the roll.”

Watch the full interview with Lee below