Limerick will be going all out for hat-trick of U-21 titles

THERE is no change to the Limerick team which defeated Cork in the semi-final for tonight’s mouth-watering Munster Under-21 HC final against Tipperary in Thurles.

However, the selectors have made a couple of

positional switches.

Senior player Peter Lawlor moves to midfield from centre-back, with Paudie O’Dwyer crossing from right half-back to the number-six position. Eoin Foley, who was at midfield against Cork, takes over O’Dwyer’s position.

Maurice O’Brien, man of the match in last year’s All-Ireland final, has recovered from injury and will line out in his usual left half-back position.

This will be a repeat of last year’s final at the Gaelic Grounds, which ended in a flare-up in the Tipperary goalmouth and cost Sean O’Connor a place in the final against Wexford after he had was red-carded.

Limerick are chasing an historic three titles in a row and, on the evidence of their display against Cork, will fancy their chances.

Tipperary have made three changes from the team which defeated Waterford in the semi-final. Shane Maher, who replaced Stephen Mason, keeps his place, while Ronan O’Brien and John O’Brien take over from Pat Buckley and MacDara Butler, respectively.

Five members of their senior squad are available, with Larry Corbett, Paul Curran, John O’Brien and Eoin Kelly on the starting 15.

“Winning has become a habit with us at under-21 level. And we hope to build on that tomorrow night,” coach David Keane said.

The scene is set for another thrilling contest. Tipp, still smarting from last year’s defeat, will hope Kelly can produce his senior form. He has been scoring freely this season and his tussle with O’Dwyer, one of three newcomers, could have a huge bearing.

It is a difficult game to call as both teams boast outstanding players, but Limerick, who will field 12 of last year’s winning combination, must be fancied to make it a hat-trick and remain firmly on course to make it a hat-trick of All-Irelands.

LIMERICK (U-21 HC v Tipperary): T. Houlihan; D. Reale, B. Carroll, E. Mulcahy; E. Foley, P. O’Dwyer, M. O’Brien; P. Lawlor, M. O’Donnell; C. Fitzgerald, J. O’Brien, K. Tobin; A. O’Shaughnessy, N. Moran, M. Keane. Subs. P. Tobin, P. Kirby, E. Murphy, M. Clifford, J. O’Connor, R. Hayes, M. Cahill, T. Carmody, N. Curtin, M. Cregan, M. Clancy, D. Foley.

TIPPERARY (U-21 HC v Limerick): D. Young (Dromin-Inch); M. Maher (Borrisoleigh), P. Curran (Mullinahone), D. Gleeson (Ballinahinch); T. King (Loughmore), J. Devane (Clonaulty-Rossmore), D. Fitzgerald (Roscrea); S. Maher (Burgess), E. Brislane (Toomevara); D. Shelley (Ballingarry), L. Corbett (Thurles Sarsfields), E. Kelly (Mullinahone); R. O’Brien (Eire Og-Annacarty), J. O’Brien (Toomevara), E. Ryan (Sean Treacys). Subs. D. Gleeson (Portroe), K. Mulryan (JK Brackans), M. Peters (Galtee Rovers), Pa Morrissey (do.), P. Buckley (Emily), D. McGrath (Knockavilla Kickhams), M. Butler (Dromin-Inch), G. Byrne (Clonakenna), S. Mason (Thurles Sarsfields), C. Ryan (Moycarkey Borris), C. Houlihane (Ballyneale), K. Cummins (Toomevara), M. Aherne (Fethard), E. Shortt (Upperchurch-Drombane).