More walkouts as Limerick hurling crisis deepens

LIMERICK senior hurling manager Justin McCarthy is facing a New Year of crisis as four more players have walked away from his severely depleted squad.

All Star nominee Gavin O’Mahoney, Tom Condon, Dinny Moloney and Stephen Walsh are the latest big names to quit the Shannonside set-up as the hurling crisis which has gripped the county deepens further.

McCarthy was backed by county board delegates before Christmas to continue in the role as manager but he will now faces into 2010 without virtually the entire 2009 panel.

There is now a distinct possibility that Limerick will suffer heavy defeats during the early stages of the National Hurling League and that could lead to a fresh analysis of McCarthy’s position.

But with these latest developments, the situation could come to a head much sooner than that as club delegates may opt to review matters before league commences.

Some Limerick sources have even suggested that a motion of no confidence in the county board could be tabled in the coming days.

The recent Claughaun meeting opted to leave McCarthy in charge but the 70-54 decision, with support for the Cork native from the top table, suggests that Limerick delegates are split down the middle.

The narrow vote was hardly a ringing endorsement for McCarthy but county board officials are adamant that he is in it for the long haul.

But Limerick fans and delegates alike will shudder at the prospect of heading into a new season without any of the big name players who have spearheaded recent championship challenges.

It is understood that Condon (Knockaderry), O’Mahony (Kilmallock), Moloney (Doon) and dual player Walsh (Glenroe) all contacted county board chairman Liam Lenihan yesterday (Thursday) to officially withdraw from the squad.

McCarthy now faces a real crisis with Limerick due to play Cork or UCC in the Waterford Crystal Cup quarter final on January 24.

The crisis first began in late October when McCarthy dropped 12 players from last season’s panel, before eight other players walked away in protest.

Now, four more players have decided to withdraw their services, which leaves McCarthy with just six players from the 30 named for the 2009 All-Ireland semi-final against Tipperary. They are: Paul Browne (Bruff), Paudie McNamara (Murroe-Boher), David Breen (Na Piarsaigh), Brian O'Sullivan (Kilmallock), Graeme Mulcahy (Kilmallock) and Dave Moloney (Blackrock).