Árd Scoil stars key in Limerick’s race for final

LIMERICK bid to reach their first Munster MHC final since 2005 when they take on Waterford at Walsh Park this evening (7.30pm).

The Shane Fitzgibbon-coached side demonstrated their credentials when defeating Cork in the opening round in April. Árd Scoil Rís stars, full-back Barry O’Connell, centre-back Ciaran Keogh and centre-forward Shane Dowling, provide a strong spine to the Shannonsiders’ team. The return of Mark Carmody, who missed the victory over Cork, is a boost to their attack while David Reidy, who impressed for Charleville CBS in the Dr Harty Cup, is also a key man.

Waterford manager Liam O’Connor includes impressive midfielder Gavin O’Brien in his side after injury.

Elsewhere, the two semi-finals in the Leinster MHC, are down for decision this evening. Dublin, led by young attacking star Ciaran Kilkenny, host Westmeath in Parnell Park at 7pm.

Kilkenny, anchored by Owen McGrath and Kevin Kelly, visit Wexford Park to take on the home side at 7pm.

In Connacht, Galway face Sligo in a Markievicz Park quarter-final. Tomorrow Mayo, captained by Conor O’Shea, younger brother of seniors Aidan and Seamus, face Roscommon in the semi-final in Castlebar.

WATERFORD: P Cooke (Ballygunner); J Barron (Fourmilewater), D Ahern (Ferrybank), C Walsh (St Olivers); S O’Neill (Mount Sion), D Foley (Clashmore), S Roche (Cois Brid); G O’Brien (Roanmore), R Barry (St Carthages); S McNulty (De La Salle), J Dillon (De La Salle), A O’Sullivan (De La Salle); S Bennett (St Carthages), D Flynn (Erins Own), C Chester (Roanmore).

LIMERICK: PJ Hall (Adare); S Irwin (Bruff), B O Connell (Kildimo), B Murphy (Fedamore); L Ryan (Doon), C Keogh (Na Piarsaigh), B Lynch (Feohanagh/Castlemahon), D Morrissey (Ahane), D Dee (Mungret); D Reidy (Dromin/Athlacca), S Dowling (Na Piarsaigh), M Carmody (Patrickswell); K O’ Brien (Patrickswell), M Fitzgibbon (Feohanagh/Castlemahon), J Aherne (Kileedy).