This article is from page 99 of the 2008-03-04 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 99 JPG
LIMERICK are impossible to work out at the moment. From week to week, Richie Bennis has put out varying sides in an effort to unearth new talent but it has been the tim- ing of these alterations which has been most baffling. In their opening clash at home against Laois, Limer- ick used nine of the All-Ireland final side in their comfortable 3-23 to 2- 11 win but only a week later, Bennis just started three as Tipperary took the Shannonsiders apart by 2-20 to 2-9 in Semple Stadium. Then in a
challenge with former strikers Cork last Wednesday, Limerick used 13 of the 20 used in that defeat against Kil- kenny last September.
All this would suggest that Limer- ick are not too interested in the league and are focusing wholly on the cham- pionship but why not be more exper!- mental against strugglers Laois and in the challenge against Cork instead of having his young inexperienced side dismantled in Semple Stadium in the league?
There is always a keen interest in the neighbouring clash between Clare and Limerick so it will be in-
teresting to see which Limerick side Bennis picks for this Sunday’s game. Bennis has always claimed that there is never much between the counties and he has backed that up with the fact that even though Limerick had seven points to spare against the Banner last year in the All-Ireland quarter-final, Clare missed several goal chances which could have made the difference early on.
On the other hand, Mike McNama- ra is certain to put out his strongest available 15. On Sunday, he termed the healthy rivalry between the coun- ties as ‘unique’ but is unquestionably
gunning for the two points to boost the confidence in the side.
Injuries have hampered Clare’s preparations but aside from. that, Sunday’s game against Kilkenny will have given the Banner a posi- tive boost going into this weekend’s game.
Limerick have their injury wor- ries too but can expect chief scorer Andrew O’Shaughnessy back af- ter his Fitzgibbon Cup $action. O’Shaughnessy, who has amassed 4-9 in his two league games to date, was missing last week as Limerick lost by ten points to Cork and his
influence in invaluable to Limerick. For long periods, Limerick more than matched the hurling starved Rebels and it was only after Neil Ro- nan second half goal that Cork even- tually pulled away.
Both sides need a win but it will all come down to which Limerick side takes to the field on Sunday. Clare are clearly more serious about the league and this hunger might be enough to see them edge this battle.