Joe Quaid: 'It would definitely take a David versus Goliath job'

Limerick are under no illusion about the task they face against Cork.

Shauna Cunningham of Limerick in action against Karin Blair of Tipperary. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Joe Quaid describes Limerick’s All-Ireland senior camogie championship opener against three-in-a row seeking Cork on Saturday (Páirc Uí Rinn, 4pm) as a David versus Goliath contest.

They are under no illusion about the task they face.

The former county goalkeeper and cousin of Nickie Quaid came back for a second stint as Treaty manager last year having led them to All-Ireland intermediate honours in 2014.

He is being realistic, but he says the Division 1B side won’t be found wanting either, and have their sights set on third place in Group 1.

“First of all, we’re looking for a performance, if the girls can be the best version of themselves. They’re going out to test themselves against the best in the country and they will battle to the end.

“Look, as I said to them on Thursday night there is always hope. Did the Cork hurlers come to Limerick last Sunday and expect to be beaten by 16 points? They did in their backside.

“It would definitely take a David/Goliath job. If we’re not going up there willing to give the effort and try as hard as we can to win, then there is no point in going.

“Realistically, there is a mini group within our group in Clare, Wexford and ourselves. On current form, you’d be expecting Cork and Tipp to go through, and one from the other three.

“I spoke to the Wexford and Clare managers and we’re all thinking the same way. You finish third in that group and you’re playing an All-Ireland quarter-final as a curtain-raiser to an All-Ireland hurling semi-final, that is massive.” 

In identifying potential talent no stone has been left unturned with 19 clubs represented, this despite the fact there is no representation from county champions Newcastle West.

“We have 15 new girls in the panel this year, we’re probably missing two or three because of the Leaving Cert as well as some of our better girls. But the effort, application and attitude the new girls have brought they’ve lifted the whole thing. They are proud to be playing for Limerick.

“It’s actually a joy to be involved with them. They’ll challenge you but once you’re honest with them and give them an explanation they buy in and will give you absolutely everything. Some of these girls have never played underage for Limerick.

“One of our biggest problems is from our county champions (Newcastle West) and finalists (Ahane), we have only one player (Ahane). There just seems to be a disconnect somewhere.

“A lot of the girls that are really good at camogie are really good at football as well. There is a manager from Newcastle West over the football and they probably have a bit of loyalty as well.

“Your county champions should be the heaviest represented and your semi-finalists next.” Cork are the standard bearers. Can Limerick get up to that level?

“It will take time,” he says. “It took the Limerick hurlers probably 10 years of development work but the problem is the turnover of players. They don’t seem to have those problems in the likes of Cork, Galway and Kilkenny.

“On paper at the moment Cork are probably 10 points better than any other camogie team. They probably have two players for every position.

“Camogie needs a few championship surprises. Otherwise, the Camogie Association has to look at bringing in a Joe McDonagh-type competition. If you get beaten by 25 points what is the incentive to come back next year? Shipping beatings isn’t good for the development of camogie.

“We have a bit of a realistic chance this year to get out of the group. Now, everything would have to go right.”