FOOTBALL may not be the main sport played in Bruree, but by tomorrow evening the club from the Limerick village could be the Munster junior champions.

LEINSTER COUNCIL officials will decide today whether the weekend’s senior hurling and football provincial finals can proceed as planned.

THERE was a poignant moment before Sunday’s Munster club SHC final in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, as referee John Sexton blew his whistle to end an impeccably observed minute’s silence to respect the memory of another John Sexton, his father, who had been buried the previous day.

ANDREW O’SHAUGHNESSY isn’t too keen on dwelling on the latter end of 2009. And who could blame him. Twelve months ago he was one of the 12 Limerick hurlers sensationally dropped from the county panel with manager Justin McCarthy citing commitment and discipline issues as the chief reasons behind the axing.

TO the majority of hurling observers, they are a band of unknowns thrust into championship combat but Cork’s Cathal Naughton has plenty of insight into the Limerick players that face him in Páirc Uí Chaoimh tomorrow.

THERE was no cheering in Claughaun GAA hall on Tuesday evening as the result of the ballot was read out. There was not a single whoop nor holler as the final tally was announced, an emphatic 83/47 win for the county board and for Justin McCarthy and his management team.

A special meeting of the Limerick County Board has been fixed for next Tuesday with the future of senior hurling manager Justin McCarthy set to be the main topic for discussion.

The 24 members of the 2009 Limerick senior hurling panel, who are refusing to play under current manager Justin McCarthy, have issued a statement in which they accuse the Limerick County Board and the senior management team of using underhand tactics in an attempt to end the ongoing impasse.

TWO goals in the three minutes before half-time set Kilmallock on their way to a 3-16 to 2-16 win over Ahane in round one of the Limerick county senior hurling championship in Bruff yesterday.

FORMER Cork senior hurling captain Fergal McCormack has declared for Kerry, joining former Limerick captain James O’Brien who transferred to the Kingdom earlier this week. Both players have declared for Kerry under the rule which allows up to five ‘outside’ players to join weaker hurling counties.

Talented Limerick forward James O'Brien has decided to focus on the club scene for 2008 and has withdrawn from the Limerick senior hurling squad ahead of next year's league campaign.

Having played there during last month's Waterford Crystal Cup, Stephen Lucey will continue to man the full-back role for Limerick's hurlers as they get their National League campaign up and running against Tipperary on Sunday (Nenagh, throw-in 2.30pm).

Knockainey 1-11 Bruree 0-11

CORK boss Donal O’Grady believes Kilkenny’s familiarity with Croke Park gives them an edge for the All-Ireland hurling final on Sunday week.

Limerick's Stephen McDonagh has retired from inter-county hurling after failing to break into the Shannonsiders' first team this term.

STEPHEN McDONAGH has ended a 12-year involvement with Limerick senior hurlers by announcing his retirement from inter-county activity.