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Hurling analysts have argued there is no substitute for inter-county matches, regardless of how good training sessions are managed. Clare have a distinct advantage in this regard, having played five matches compared to Limerick’s two.
However, Limerick selector, John Kiely said he isn’t concerned about the five-week gap, which has flown and wouldn’t have minded another one or two weeks.
“The games in training have been every bit as intense as the games we have played. I don’t think that is a major issue for the Limerick players, who have been back with their clubs as well,” he said.
Limerick coach, Donach O’Donnell pointed out there are pros and cons concerning the break as teams coming into a semi-final fresh can do well, while other teams who play a lot of matches can also perform well if they manage their time well.
“It is very hard to pin it down. It is a bit of a concern but there isn’t a lot we can do. Limerick can’t play challenge games. You make your training as intense and tight as you can. You work from there and organise it right to make sure the team goes in fresh. You have to manage injuries as well,” he said.
The Mallow man, who guided Nenagh CBS to claim the Croke Cup in March 2012, was drafted into the county set-up by Limerick manager, John Allen last year.
His father, Eddie, was a member of the Cork hurling backroom team during Allen’s time with the Rebels from 2003-2006.
He acknowledged it was a big bonus for Limerick to play their last two games at home, thanks to their huge support but expects a big crowd in Croke Park with the involvement of their minors and seniors.
When asked what has impressed him about Clare, he replied, “Clare are very quick. Their game is built around speed. They play quite defensively but as soon as they break, all the players break together. Clare have a lot of pace and a lot of players with very good feet. They can be quite hard to counteract. When players go on a run, it can be hard to slow them down.
“Davy has probably coached seven or eight Limerick players in LIT. While Davy knows Limerick players personally, the way they play with Limerick is different compared with LIT,” he said.
O’Donnell declined to outline what plans Limerick could use to counteract Clare’s tactics of playing just five forwards, allowing Podge Collins to drift outfield during their quarter-final win over Galway.
However, he stressed it is very hard to judge any situation until it happens and noted if a team that plays a sweeper abandons this on the day, the opposing team’s plans go out the window.
“You really have to look after your own game and your performance, while keeping an eye on the opposition.
“Limerick have to be organised and disciplined. I don’t think Limerick are that slow ourselves either. We are in very good shape physically.
“If Limerick play to their ability and perform well, they win and if they don’t, they will lose. Limerick can match Clare in terms of the work rate and intensity they bring to their game. We will do well,” he said.
Asked what made the difference this year, having rattled yet failed to beat Tipperary and Kilkenny in 2012, O’Donnell said there is a great bond and focus among the players from the start of the year.
“Limerick effectively had a new team last year. Donal O’Grady was manager the previous year and had changed the panel. We changed the panel another bit. It was effectively a new panel. There was a very good focus this year.
“We surround ourselves with guys in the overall set-up. Outside of that, what happens is effectively irrelevant. If you listen to what is going on the street, you would never get a result.
“You would expect it to be a little more open in Croke Park, the fact it is slightly bigger. If there is space in Croke Park you will find it. Scoring goals is important.
“A lot of teams are set up more defensively and can be negative at times. There will be no holding back. I don’t think any of the semi-finalists are going to play conservatively.
“With Kilkenny gone from the championship, there is an extra incentive to try and win the All-Ireland,” he said.
