Cork claims anger Limerick mentors

LIMERICK selector Gary Kirby has reacted angrily to reported comments attributed to Cork’s Joe O’Leary after Cork’s All-Ireland SHC quarter-final win over the Shannonsiders.

“Some of the tactics adopted by our opponents were totally unacceptable,” O’Leary said after the game. “Some of our players were hit by Limerick mentors and our coach, John Allen, was also intimidated on the sidelines. The level of intimidation was unreal and totally unacceptable.”

Kirby responded yesterday.

“I think Cork are after really wronging us with those statements, really after wronging us. I know there was one incident between Richard (Bennis, Limerick manager) and Jerry O’Connor. Richard went in to Mike O’Brien (Limerick midfielder) to tell him something and Jerry came over to listen in. “Richard was waving him away with his hand, and Jerry hit his hand with the hurley, just a tap, but enough so that Richard’s fingers are swollen today.

“But that was it, we’re not making any big deal of it. The only two Limerick selectors on the sideline were myself and Richard, and we weren’t near their players at any stage of the game.

“I didn’t open my mouth to the Cork players or officials. At one stage alright Richard was walking up along the sideline, John Allen was walking down towards him, and neither was giving way, Richard just stood his ground.

“But it was a thing of nothing. I was totally disgusted when I read those comments. I don’t believe in dirty play, neither does Richard, and I think anyone who knows us knows that. We told the lads all week discipline would be very important. Keep the discipline, don’t get over-involved with any of the Cork players. Hit hard on the ball, but make sure it’s on the ball. And it was hard. The referee was letting things go, and you play the referee too, don’t you?

“But no-one ended up injured after that game, every player on both sides walked off the pitch, and they walked off together, swapping jerseys, shaking hands.

“I didn’t meet Joe O’Leary myself, but I met nearly all the Cork players, wished them well. There was no criticism in there, no hint of any bad feeling.”

There was one incident highlighted afterwards, involving Limerick captain TJ Ryan and Cork’s John Gardiner, with the latter requiring treatment for a facial injury.

“I didn’t see that, to be honest, I was following the ball,” said Kirby.

What of the Diarmuid O’Sullivan incident, when the Cork full-back was impeded on his way up the field to take a penalty?

“Do you know where I was for that? I was standing up beside Joe Deane with the Cummins ball in my pocket, Joe had the O’Neill ball in his hand, and I said to him, ‘Joe, you’re hitting no other ball only that one!’ Sure he was only laughing and I was only laughing! They had already switched the ball at that stage.

“I was told afterwards that O’Sullivan had another ball stuck down the back of his togs, but sure isn’t all that part of it? Gamesmanship on Cork’s part, gamesmanship on Limerick’s part, what about it? Wouldn’t we do the same thing, if we thought we’d get away with it? I have always been an admirer of Cork hurling, and I still am, even after this. But it’s disappointing to be accused of something like this. Richard and myself were the only Limerick mentors on the sideline, and we didn’t hit anyone. Limerick should be coming out of this game with a positive note, but now we have this negative picture being painted of us.”