John Fogarty: What - not who - can upset Limerick's All-Ireland champions?

With no team able to match them on the field, John Fogarty picks out four issues which could potentially disrupt Limerick's momentum as they aim for a three in a row

SHREWD OPERATOR: John Kiely was more vocal than other any manager in his opposition to the maor foirne role being disbanded but Limerick have instead made water breaks work to their advantage. Picture: Inpho/Morgan Treacy

End of water breaks

It is hardly insulting Limerick to suggest the water breaks these last couple of seasons have appealed to them more than other teams. The best sides make the most of the opportunity to assess and recalibrate. Look at how Dublin in the Jim Gavin era and Dessie Farrell’s first year returned to the field transformed after the half-time break. Any time Paul Kinnerk has the opportunity to address the players in an in-game situation is a good time. Sunday was different but Limerick’s trend is not to start quickly — across their nine-game winning SHC run these last two seasons they have led at the first water break on just four occasions.