Final frenzy grips fans

THAT MacCarthy Cup winning feeling will grip a small distinguished band of Waterford and Limerick supporters tomorrow at Semple Stadium in Thurles.

It was 1973 when Eamonn Grimes, captain of Limerick held aloft the most coveted hurling trophy in the Hogan stand and 1959 when Waterford’s last winning captain Frankie Walsh grasped it in glory.

Most of the victorious warriors of old will be there tomorrow to see their counties battle it out for the Munster title and advance on the MacCarthy Cup.

But one great will be absent. Waterford legend, Tom Cheasty is not well and will be watching the game at home.

Veteran Waterford scribe Johnny Murphy, who has covered more Waterford hurling games than most have eaten hot dinners, said: “Tom never misses a game, but just can’t make it for the Munster decider. The boys will want to do if for Tom, I know. Everybody in Waterford hopes that come September, he’ll be holding the MacCarthy Cup again for the first time since 1959.”

The general election is well over but ‘Hammy’ Dawson will be clambering up telegraph polls near St Patrick’s’ GAA club in Limerick tonight on his lone campaign.

Every time Limerick enter battle, ‘Hammy’ makes sure that a strong message of support goes out from his area.

He emblazons his area with up to 50 green and white flags.

“We have gone through some lean times, but Limerick supporters were never found wanting,” said ‘Hammy’.

Last night, fans queued at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick when a batch of gold dust tickets became available.

Meanwhile, Waterford resembles a sea of blue and white as fans prepare for a fourth Munster final in six years.

An air of expectation has been around the hurling strongholds since Justin MacCarthy’s men annexed this year’s league title, and they now find themselves in the unusual position of favourites for a provincial decider.

“In the past they’ve been playing Cork and Tipperary who naturally would have been favourites,” said a spokesperson for the county board yesterday.

But, a fourth final in six years and all, the Limerick factor makes it a novel experience. for players and fans.

“I don’t know how many years it’s been since either Cork or Tipperary did not feature in a Munster final.”

Around Waterford city the banners have been flying proudly this week, as the county team attempt to add to their titles of 2002 and 2004, while in places like Lismore, Abbeyside, Stradbally, and Fourmilewater and all areas around the county, clubs have been urging on their own representatives.

Anyone without a ticket bySunday may end up watching the game in one of the many GAA-friendly pubs in Thurles.

There are reports that all stand tickets are sold, but terrace tickets may be available for cash.