Kearns’ resignation threat catalyst for Limerick’s victory
“We had spent the whole week after the defeat by Westmeath being patted on the back and being told how well we did in Croke Park. I had enough of that,” said Kearns.
“I was totally gutted, not so much at losing but by the manner of that defeat, and I told the players at a meeting last Wednesday night that if there was another repeat of that performance against Cork I was leaving.”
It’s an open secret that Kearns read the riot act to the Limerick players, letting them know in no uncertain manner that the five minutes of footballing suicide against Westmeath was unacceptable.
Being the perfectionist he is, Kearns called it as he saw it, pointing out to specific players their shortcomings. By the end of the meeting, players were so fired up at the thought of letting their coach down a second time that they couldn’t wait for the Cork game to come round.
“Usually a defeat in a final can have an adverse effect on players, but it worked in reverse for us,” said Kearns. “When we hit Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday, I could sense the lads were up for the game.”
Team sponsors Silversprings Moran Hotel hosted a party for the victorious Shannonsiders on Sunday night.
“Our sponsors put up the entire party for the night and everyone had a very pleasant evening. It’s only when we got the Monday papers that the enormity of what we had achieved began to sink in,” said Kearns.
“We’ll enjoy the occasion, but it’s back to training on Thursday for the Clare match in five weeks time. That’s going to be a bit of a banana skin for us now as we’ll be favourites for that game even though it’s on in Cusack Park.
“Of more immediate concern is the injury to Jason Stokes. Early diagnosis suggests he had a cartilage problem, but I’ll know more after he has had a scan today. Hopefully it’s only cartilage and with micro-surgery he could be back in action for the Clare match. If Jason was to miss out, it would make our task even harder. He’s at his brilliant best at the moment and would an incalculable loss to us if he is not available.
“It would be a disaster to lose to Clare after dumping Cork out so emphatically, but every game is different, and we’ll have to be ready for this just as they we were ready for last Sunday.
“The win over Cork will do wonders for the game in the county and will be a huge boost to those promoting the game at all levels.
“I’ve no doubt the seniors will benefit from it and will give the team a lot of confidence particularly from the way we won it.”
If Limerick are to win this year’s Munster title, they will have to do it the hard way.
All their games are away from home, including the final if it is against Kerry.
