Richie Bennis: Croker roar spooked Limerick in 2007 final

Richie Bennis contends the roar that greeted the Limerick players as they ran out for the 2007 All-Ireland final spooked them.

Featuring in TG4’s Laochra Gael programme this Sunday, the former county manager admits the incredible reception at Croke Park upset the team as they lost to Kilkenny by seven points.

Even the appearance of Bennis’ face on the big screen before the warm-up prompted unbridled applause from the county’s following in Croke Park.

“When Limerick came out that day, I never heard a cheer like it and I’d say it affected our players at the very start,” he admitted, adding: “There’s a lull in the air when you are beaten in an All-Ireland final. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a manager or a player.”

Bennis also reveals the reluctance of some players to train during the early days of his tenure. He recalled one session prior to the 2006 All-Ireland quarter-final against Cork in Thurles, which they lost by a point.

“The week before it, I was informed by (former Limerick manager and star forward) Joe McKenna that a few of the players always had injuries. We were training the following Wednesday night, a few of them were injured and I said ‘if everybody isn’t togged out Wednesday night, I’ll only pick from those who are togged out’. All of a sudden, a miracle appeared over a few lads. They became OK.”

Bennis’s former team-mate Eamonn Cregan says the Patrickswell man never received full acknowledgement for his contribution to Limerick’s 1973 All-Ireland final success over Kilkenny. “He scored one magnificent point, him nearly on his knees from 80 yards out and as he was falling he let fly and he split the posts. Richie doesn’t get the credit for the All-Ireland final, which he should have got. Ten points! From centre field!”

Laochra Gael – Richie Bennis will be broadcast on TG4 at 5.55pm this Sunday