Family affair as twins kit out for Limerick’s All-Ireland final tilt

IT’S said that if you puck a sliotar in Patrickswell the likelihood is that it will end up in the hands of a Bennis, a Foley or a Kirby.

A recent double arrival in the village has now created a new bond between the three Limerick hurling gdynasties in the lead in to Sunday’s showdown with Kilkenny.

The families will be out in force next Sunday at Croke Park playing important roles in Limerick’s bid to bring back the McCarthy cup to the Well for the first time since 1973.

The Bennis, Foley and Kirby clans have in recent times seen a new family connection arrive in the persons of four-month-old twins Jack and Lucy Foley.

Their mother Aedin (nee Bennis) is a niece of Limerick hurling manager Richie Bennis and a first cousin of his right hand man on the touchline, Gary Kirby.

And to complete the hurling circle, dad Des Foley is a brother of Limerick team member, Barry Foley.

Aedin, who played camogie with Limerick, is on maternity leave from Limerick City Council

She said: “They are a bit young for Croke Park. They watched the semi-final on TV but they both nodded off. We have them kitted out in their Limerick gear and they have their mini hurleys with their names on them. Hopefully 2007 will be a year they will live to remember as a year of the great arrivals in Limerick.”

Meanwhile, in the hunt for tickets, Limerick County Board has issued anappeal for fans not to pester members of the team.