Limerick hurler, Dan Morrissey. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
By Niall McCabe
After no national title last year, Limerick's Dan Morrissey says the Treaty want to use league glory as a springboard back to hurling’s top table.
It’s been a mixed bag so far from Limerick in the Allianz Hurling League; a win, a draw, and a loss leave them in the middle of the pack in Division 1A. However, with three important upcoming fixtures, Morrissey is insistent that the team remains fully focused on reclaiming silverware and pointed out that the league can often be a springboard for success later in the year.
“We’re going out to win it, to be honest. Last year, Clare won the league, and they won the All-Ireland, so it definitely didn’t do them any harm.”
Reflecting on their most recent outing, a hard-fought loss to Clare, Morrissey admitted the result was disappointing but emphasised the opportunity to bounce back in the coming weeks.
“You want to win every game you play, so we were disappointed,” he said. “But we’ve another match this weekend and games the next three weekends in a row, so plenty of opportunity to make amends and hopefully push on for the rest of the league.”
And while results are the be-all and end-all in such an unforgiving division, the Treaty defender, who was on the sideline against Clare, also acknowledged the league also serves as a platform for players to prove themselves.
“You try to win every match, but at the same time, you’re giving everyone a chance to put their hand up for a starting jersey.”
Dan Morrissey of Limerick is tackled by Alan Connolly of Cork during the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final match between Limerick and Cork at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
Limerick’s drive for five ended in dramatic fashion last July after a thrilling contest with the Rebel County saw Cork win the game by two points. But that setback has only fuelled the team’s hunger to get back to the top.
“Once you’ve got a feeling for winning an All-Ireland, you just want to be back there every single year,” Morrissey said. “That feeling when the final whistle goes, those couple of hours in the dressing room—you want that every single year. Not having it last year definitely drives us on again this year.”
With the Championship fast approaching, John Kiely’s men will have little time between the conclusion of the Allianz League and their preparations for the challenge of Tipperary in the Munster Championship. But for Morrissey and his teammates, they wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Players want to be playing games and a game every two weeks is kind of an ideal scenario for players. Whereas if you're not to make it to a league final, I think it's a four-week break, which I know from personal experience, I find four weeks often too much.”
This alone is motivation enough to make a league final according to the Limerick full-back. “We'll go out to win the rest of the games, and hopefully we finish in the top two by the end of it.”
Next up for the reigning Munster champions is an in-form Galway side who have won three on the bounce and have picked up some impressive results so far in the Allianz League. Morrissey is expecting a tough test but is looking forward to the challenge.
“Any game we’ve had against Galway over the past number of years has been very competitive, never too much in it. They’re probably close to a league final position, so they’ll be gunning for this weekend. But it’s in the Gaelic Grounds so, hopefully, there’ll be a big Limerick support out to get behind us.”
With their sights set on silverware once again, the Allianz League could be a key opportunity for the Treaty County to build momentum for the summer months, but with strong opposition still to come, the road ahead will remain a challenging one.
