McCarthy points to future as Limerick lick wounds

Limerick manager Justin McCarthy cut a disappointed figure as he emerged from the Shannonsiders' dressing room in the wake of his side's 24-point All-Ireland SHC semi-final defeat to Tipperary.

The Cork native tried his utmost to explain where it had all gone wrong - Limerick's plans torn apart by an eager and goal-hungry Tipperary attack.

"It was disappointing, yes," McCarthy said, after the 6-19 to 2-7 Croke Park drubbing.

"We had our own plans in place before the game and we thought that they might work out, but in fairness we made a few mistakes here and there and they capitalised.

"We missed a few chances and then we were on the backfoot for 20 minutes I suppose. By half-time - at 3-8 to 0-4 - realistically it wasn't a contest and the game was over.

"We thought at half-time that we would try to come back as good as we could, but that it was a big hill to climb at that stage."

McCarthy says that there were no signs before the semi-final that his side would capitulate in the nature that they did.

"The preparation was outstanding, the mood was great and fellas' attitudes were outstanding. We trained exceptionally well," he said.

And although disappointed with his side's display, the former Waterford boss was gracious in defeat and praised Tipperary for their high standards.

"We came up against a team that was very clinical and is probably two years ahead of Limerick in preparation.

"We would say that they have come through well, winning two Munster Championships and a National League title. Then when they had the chances for a bit of success, they weren't going to leave it behind them.

"They are a very good team and they sensed then that they were going to win and it was a matter of driving it on then and getting more scores."

Having just come from the dressing room, McCarthy was asked about what was being said inside among the players and backroom staff.

"Well what can you say? In fairness the team that beat us played outstanding stuff. We aren't going to blame anybody, because every fella goes out to play his best. They are amateur players who gave their all and we aren't going to blame anybody.

"To be honest I'm very proud of the lads and we had some outstanding training sessions and games ourselves. We got six games in the Championship. We won three, drew one and lost two."

McCarthy, who was appointed to the position last October, is remaining positive as he looks to next year and getting Limerick back challenging for honours.

"Limerick have to look to the future and there is a lot of young lads coming through. They'll have to learn from that hardship and that setback.

"But like all things in life, time erodes those things and next year Limerick will be back in the Championship again."

Asked about his own future in charge of Limerick, he said: "Hopefully, yes (I will be going ahead with this).

"I've said I'd be involved for two years and I have enjoyed every moment of it so far. I can see the bigger picture too.

"There is no such thing as lying down and that we can't move on. There is a great interest in Limerick hurling and there are things in place, but it will take another period of time."