Ryan works on building hand to counter Tipp’s pair of aces

Limerick hurling manager TJ Ryan anticipates a huge challenge from Tipperary’s "crucial" central axis in Sunday’s Munster semi-final.

Brendan Maher at centre-back and Patrick ‘Bonner’ Maher on the 40 have been key to the Premier County’s resurgence late in the league, and Ryan knows they’ll ask questions of his side this weekend.

“Bonner is crucial,” said Ryan. “In fairness if you look at the support runners coming off his shoulder, that seems to be a factor in the way that they play.