By Cian O'Connell

Brian Geary knows Limerick have sampled significant underage success previously, but there is just something about the current crop.

Two All Ireland Under 21 titles in the last three years was a clear sign of the calibre of player being developed, while the work at Post Primary and third level suggested the green and white future was bright.

How important is it that these emerging players have tasted success? "I remember going up doing a bit of work for Live 95 to see these minor matches," Geary says. "They were there or thereabouts without getting over the line and they have played all these other inter-county hurlers and done very well on a consistent basis against them, whether it be minor, Under 21 or the amount of Fitzgibbon Cups that have been in Limerick the last number of years too.

"Now I know there's players coming in from, a lot of them from Galway and Clare and these places. But it is the training with the top players, they're putting themselves up against the top players year in, year out. That would have to stand to them."

It also means that the depth of the Limerick panel has increased dramatically. "I suppose that's what, even in the semi-final, that's what stood out," Geary admits.

"The panel and the impact the subs did make coming on. You could bring on five or six lads the next day and the ball mightn't roll for any of them.

"But the day against Cork they all came on, they all made their impact and there's another few lads there on the bench that we have confidence in too that if we'd have sprung them, hopefully they would have been the same."

When Limerick hurling is discussed the benefits of the Academy system established in the county is always respected. "The Academy has had very professional strings to it," Geary adds.

"They would have got the best of training I suppose early on. They were doing proper weights and looking after themselves properly, eating the right things. If you're doing all the right things, it will happen for you in time.

"A lot of those boys went through it. You can see Kyle Hayes, a couple of years behind, you could see the development he has, he's only 19. Without a doubt you'd have to take your hat off to Joe McKenna and the lads in the Academy it has brought this group to a great base. It's been a pleasure to work with them. As I said there'd be a lot of that work done, you could concentrate on hurling to a certain extent."

That is precisely what Limerick are trying to do presently with Geary and panelist Seamus Hickey links to their last final appearance in 2007. "Yeah crying on each other's shoulders," Geary laughs. "Seamus was only a young fella, 19, his first year. But he has the experience from it and I'm sure he'll pass it on to the boys.

"It is a big day. We were lucky to get such a big crowd for the semi-final to prepare them and all. We all know an All-Ireland final is a different build-up and different scenario. Any bit of wisdom I suppose that can be passed on, Seamus has done. Hopefully it'll stand them in good stead."

One thing that Geary noticed was the guttural roar which greeted Limerick's arrival on to the Croke Park turf. "The hype coming into the final just from my own memories, it's a long time ago now but the county went mad," Geary recalls.

"Same as every county before an All-Ireland, how players and teams deal with that is another thing. It was a great buzz. The one thing that sticks in my mind is the roar coming out that day.

"There was a huge Limerick crowd there. It probably unsettled me a small bit for a few minutes. It was a great buzz. Looking back on it, it was a great year but there's always regret there that there was no All-Ireland at the end of it."

It is why Limerick's management are especially eager to protect and insulate the players from any hype swirling around. "I suppose you try to throw your arm around them a small bit but in reality they're working, they're not going to be at home for the week," Geary states.

"They're in the gym a couple of times a day, they'll get to experience x amount of hype. And they have to too, it's a big day. You can't get carried away with it either. At the end of the day finals are there to be won for players. In 10 years time when I'm looking back on 2007 now, it isn't the hype I remember really.

"It's the fact we've lost the match. I'm sure the boys in time, not being told, but they know they need to shield themselves a small bit if they want to perform their ability." Throughout a cool and consistent campaign Limerick's mix of youth and experience has produced. The ultimate day to deliver is edging closer.