LIMERICK ARE GETTING STRONGER, WARNS MORAN
WATERFORD’S Kevin Moran has described three-in-a-row All-Ireland champions Limerick as ‘a machine’ and warned that they ‘could be even better this year’.
The former midfield ace would like nothing more than to see his native county displace the holders and end the long wait for the Liam MacCarthy Cup that dates back to 1959. But he fears that it’s already looking even harder to halt Limerick’s modern hurling dynasty after the manner in which John Kiely’s side blitzed Clare at the weekend.
‘They’re exceptionally good and I think it’s going to be hard for anyone to beat them. They’re very comfortable in what they do. They seem to have an incredibly driven group; and exceptionally good management set-up.
‘They don’t rely on anyone in particular. They seem to be able to figure it out on the field. And, you know, they could even be better this year.
‘Hopefully the chasing group can bridge that gap, but I’m not so sure.
I know Cork beat them in the first game but, Jesus, the first half I was so impressed with them. Look, we’ll see what happens but they seem to be a machine.’
Moran’s inter-county career spanned 16 years, three All-Ireland final appearances and included two All-Stars and he hailed Davy Fitzgerald who guided Waterford to their last Munster senior title back in 2010 and is back for a second stint.
‘There’s times when he would be shouting and roaring but he’s an incredibly professional manager. He knows the game inside out,’ added Moran.
Meanwhile, Tipperary were dealt a triple injury whammy yesterday. Midfielder Paddy Cadell is out for the rest of Tipperary’s season with a cruciate knee tear was confirmed.
Cathal Barrett is also ruled out for up to three months after fracturing his scapula in a collision with a teammate while Niall O’Meara is going to be sidelined for up to two months with a groin injury.