Patrickswell determined to deny favourites Adare dream three-in-a-row

ADARE have their sights on three titles in a row, and neighbours Patrickswell are determined to join Ahane at the top of the leader board.

That’s the back drop to tomorrow’s Limerick SHC final at the new look Gaelic grounds and one which is expected to attract an attendance in the region of 6,000.

With Limerick having had a multitude of problems, both on and off the field, on the senior hurling front over the last six months, both clubs realise they have a responsibility to show the finer face of game within the county.

On the strength of their back to back titles, Adare will start as slight favourites, but even they accept that their opponents have a class pedigree, and despite going through a transition period, are capable of rising to the occasion.

In their attempts to get back on the winning trial, Patrickswell looked to Sixmilebridge’s Jim Fawl to take charge of affairs. Fawl has turned things around quite a bit, as reflected in the many changes of personnel on their path to the final.

Three players who have been ever present are Ciaran Carey, Anthony Carmody, and Gary Kirby. Kirby started the season in the junior ranks but made a spectacular comeback and is now attempting to win his tenth senior championship medal.

One ahead of him in that regard is Anthony Carmody, who will be lining out in the half forward line. Patrickswell would not be complete without a Carey in their lineup, and both Ciaran and Paul are assured of places.

Adare, who won the county title for the first time in 2001, having lost to Patrickswell in the decider a year earlier, believe that they have the ability to become just one of three clubs in the county to have recorded a hat trick in the modern game. The others being Patrickswell and Ahane.

They are back-boned by such stars as the Foley brothers, John and Mark, goalkeeper, Tim Houlihan, full back JP Healy, and forwards Conor Fitzgerald and Donnacha Sheehan.

In the semi-final Adare were taken to a replay by Kilmallock and it took a late, late goal from Sheehan to see them keep one hand on the trophy. Patrickswell meanwhile, looked razor sharp when dispensing with the challenge of Ahane, who had been tipped to go the full distance this campaign.

Both teams are geared up for what promises to be a fitting finale to a somewhat disappointing season and while Adare are seen to have the edge in physique, a more youthful Patrickswell are fully capable of ending their dream.