Hurling WAGs to steer clear of shopping safaris

SUNDERLAND boss Roy Keane didn’t hold back when he took a swipe at the WAGs of Premier League players.

But Limerick hurling manager Richie Bennis has no fears that his players’ wives and girlfriends might lead the squad astray as they prepare for their All-Ireland showdown with Kilkenny.

The down-to-earth Limerick ladies won’t be taking their menfolk on shopping safaris. They’re making sure the team focuses on the hurling mission ahead at Croke Park.

Audrey Begley, wife of full forward Brian Begley, said: “It’s jeans and T-shirts all the way, I’m afraid. When you are walking to the matches you want to be comfortable in casual wear.

“It is the closest bunch of players, wives and girlfriends and everyone gets on with everyone else. We have been meeting very regularly since last October, due to matches most weekends. Just look at the buzz around the county. It makes it all worth while.”

Sarah O’Sullivan from Herbertstown is the girlfriend of Limerick captain Damien Reale.

She said: “For last Sunday’s game, most of the wives and girlfriends booked in for the Saturday night to Jury’s Croke Park Hotel. It’s lovely there and is very handy, being part of the Croke Park complex. The wives and girlfriends just went for a few drinks to relax.”

Audrey Begley said they are delighted to be part of the team group. She said: “It would mean so much for all the clubs and the city. It is great publicity for Limerick and great to be in the headlines for something so good.”