Waterford coach claims all the pressure is on Limerick

WITH all eyes focused on the clash between Kerry and Cork tomorrow in Killarney, the pressure is off both Limerick and Waterford who meet in the other semi at the Gaelic Grounds, also tomorrow.

Limerick will be raging favourites to make it back to their second Munster final in a row and they would again have home advantage against the Killarney winners.

For Waterford coach Billy Harty, tomorrow’s semi-final could have fallen nicer for him and his team. However, he said: “All the pressure is on Limerick to beat us by 20 points which suits us fine.

“Realistically Limerick are possibly focused on a Munster final appearance again no matter what they say, and that will suit us fine.

“They are extremely strong in the key areas, and are a very experienced side now. They have benefited from playing in the top flight of the National League and will have to fall on their backsides if we are to beat them.”

In contrast, Waterford had a very bad league campaign but Harty is placing no great emphasis on that and offers good reasons for their poor showing.

“We have 12 students on our squad, which doesn’t help in terms of preparation, and we played several league games with depleted teams because of studies, injuries and players playing Sigerson Cup.

“Also we did a lot of very hard winter training and often went into league games with tired legs and it showed in our performances.

“Our league form is of no consequence now. We have a very nice team of totally committed footballers who have trained extremely hard and who will give a very good account of themselves tomorrow”.

Harty agrees that Niall Curran will be a big loss tomorrow as he is one of the best forwards around and an excellent free taker.

“Limerick hold all the aces. The pressure is on them to win, but I can guarantee you one thing, they’ll get one hell of a game from us tomorrow”.

Limerick coach Liam Kearns is equally glad that all the limelight is on the Killarney semi-final, but added that it’s a game that brings it’s own pressure for his side in that they are being quoted at ridiculous odds to win.

“We are in a no-win situation here, but we can live with that. Our aim all season has been to get back to the Munster final and do ourselves justice this time”, said the Limerick supremo.

“They say you have to lose a final before you win one. We have been down that road. We’ve served our apprenticeship so to speak, it’s time for this Limerick team to start winning trophies.

“Playing in Division One of the league has brought the players on a ton. They are more mature now, and know that is required to compete at the top.”