Downes has high hopes Na Piarsaigh can go all the way

LIMERICK star Kevin Downes believes newly-crowned AIB Munster Club hurling champions Na Piarsaigh have every chance of claiming All-Ireland glory next March.

Downes, 20, hit two points and supplied the pass for Adrian Breen’s killer second-half goal in Sunday’s provincial final replay with Clare’s Crusheen. Na Piarsaigh’s 1-13 to 0-9 victory capped a remarkable season for Downes, who made his debut for the county seniors under former manager Donal O’Grady this year.

And the towering full-forward, who starred for Ardscoil Rís during their 2010 Harty Cup success, is confident Na Piarsaigh’s glory trail will lead to Croke Park on St Patrick’s Day. Having secured the county and Munster senior crowns for the first time, Na Piarsaigh are fancied by many to lift the Tommy Moore Cup. Sean Stack’s men face Antrim and Ulster champions Loughgiel Shamrocks in February, the winners set for an All-Ireland final showdown with Gort (Galway) or Coolderry (Offaly).