Confident Patrickswell fancy their chances of title

PATRICKSWELL have dominated the Limerick Senior Hurling Championship since they burst onto the scene in the mid 1960s, but have failed to match that success at provincial and national levels.

Gary Kirby and Anthony Carmody, who shared in the majority of their triumphs, are now almost at the end of illustrious careers. The word is that the duo, with 22 county SHC medals between them, will bow out when the Well end this campaign.

This will only be the second competitive meeting between Mount Sion and Patrickswell. With home advantage the Limerick side, under the stewardship of Clareman Jim Fawl, fancy their prospects.

However, they are well aware that anything can happen in the current weather conditions, and if they have a worry, it is that their team is on the light side and lacking in the experience of their opponents.

Two years ago Mount Sion ended the aspirations of the then Limerick champions Adare, and now that they are seeking back to back titles, will test the mettle of players like Peter and Paul O’Reilly, Ciaran Carey, Paul O’Grady and Tony O’Brien.

In the first round Patrickswell travelled out to Ennis and surprised the Clare champions Clarecastle. In the words of Gary Kirby their confidence rocketed.

Patrickswell were disappointed that with possibly stronger teams, they failed to bring the national trophy to Shannonside.

They did reach the final but were unable to beat the Kilkenny champions Callan.

Jim Fawl has enjoyed the distinction of bringing his new club back to the forefront after their neighbours Adare had lorded it over the past two seasons. He has successfully blended the old with the new and sees no reason why they cannot advance another stage to meet Newtownshandrum in the final.

Former hero Richie Bennis, who this week received the Hall of Fame award from the City GAA Board, hopes to see his first glimpse of action following a recent illness.