Green light for Limerick glory
That’s the candid view of former Limerick manager Phil Bennis, who was the last man to guide his county to All-Ireland success when the Shannonsiders won their first Under-21 title in 1986. He also steered Limerick to minor All-Ireland success in 1984.
The Patrickswell man was a member of the last Limerick senior team to win the All-Ireland title in 1973, along with his brother Richie.
“Expectations will be enormous in Limerick now following the incredible success of our Under 21 teams over the last three years, but as you well know down there in Cork, it’s the senior title that really counts”, said a clearly delighted Bennis.
“We have the right man in charge of our senior team now for the next two years, and that’s a huge plus. It’s a tremendous tribute to him and his fellow selectors that they could produce three Under-21 winning teams without ever winning a minor title.
“They obviously have an eye for talent which I’ve always said is in abundance in Limerick. The players are there in every club from junior to senior. It’s only a question of having the ability to spot it and then give the players the chance.
“Our Under 21 selectors have done that and they are to be congratulated on what they have achieved, but the job is only beginning now.
The under-age titles are great and help to build a solid foundation, but the senior title is the one we really want”.
Never one to mince his words, Bennis, who also had a spell as senior coach, said he would be looking for Limerick to win the senior All-Ireland title next year. “It’s all about now. We could all be dead in a year’s time. The talent is there. It’s only a question of marrying the very best of the under 21 players with the current seniors and I’m convinced we’ll win the Liam McCarthy Cup”.
When I suggested to him that that was a tall order, Bennis replied, “so what”. “You must always aim your sights high and I see no reason, with the talent we have available, why the senior title cannot be won in 2003.
“Indeed I would be disappointed if we don’t. It will be 30 years next year since we last won it. That’s far too long for a county like Limerick to be without a senior All-Ireland”.
Bennis was in Thurles on Sunday to see his county create history, and marvelled at the magnificent performance of Limerick. “Even allowing for the weakness of the Galway challenge, it was easily the best display of the three.
Meanwhile the streets of Limerick were thronged last night as fans came out in their thousands to pay tribute to Dave Keane and his squad on winning three All-Ireland titles in a row.
The all-conquering side were honoured with a civic reception hosted jointly by Limerick City and County Councils, and were lauded for their achievement in remaining unbeaten in 15 championship matches over a three-year period. Earlier a ‘troweling ceremony’ took place at the Gaelic Grounds by Minister of State Willie O’Dea, where he congratulated the county on their Under-21 success.
The hunt is on for a new Limerick under-21 hurling manager.
Under-21 nanager Dave Keane confirmed yesterday that he will resist any overtures to him to attempt a record equalling fourth consecutive All-Ireland under-21 hurling crown.
“There is no going back. When offered the senior job I made it clear that I’d have no further role to play with the 21s. It has been a marvellous three years and it’s time to hand over to somebody else.”
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