Dublin v Limerick:LITTLE THINGS could make the difference tomorrow. The surroundings will matter. Semple Stadium is an unfamiliar environment to Dubliners.
Limerick know it well. Dublin are miles from their comfort zone here, but they believed this day would come. To make an impact in the supposed closed shop of hurling they must win in Thurles. And win well.
The full-back line of Stephen Lucey, Damien Reale and O’Riordan are tasked with quelling Dublin’s talented fullforward line. Liam Rushe has the potential to become a phenomenon. David Treacy may drift out the field, but it is essential Dublin get ball into David O’Callaghan and that he remains close to goal.
The return of Ross O’Carroll may be helpful, but using Ronan Fallon at some stage could prove crucial.
The bookmakers are in agreement, ignoring recent form to make Dublin one-point favourites. A lot of smart hurling men familiar with this type of environment have gone with Limerick.
Who can blame them?
Limerick played in the 2007 All-Ireland final. They were beaten out the gate by Kilkenny, but the levels they attained to reach that juncture remain embedded in the cerebral cortex. It requires Andrew O’Shaughnessy to rack up a big score and a few others must take flight, but Limerick believe they can win.
If Dublin play for 70 minutes, something they have been threatening to do, then at some point, Limerick will stop believing.
DUBLIN:G Maguire; N Corcoran, T Brady, S Hiney; M O'Brien, J Boland, M Carton; J McCaffrey, A McCrabbe; R O'Carroll, L Ryan, D Sweeney; D O'Callaghan, L Rushe, D Treacy.
LIMERICK:B Murray; D Reale, S Lucey, M O'Riordan; G O'Mahony, B Geary, M Foley; D O'Grady, S Hickey; J Ryan, D Breen, W McNamara; A O'Shaughnessy, P McNamara, P Browne.
Referee: M Wadding (Waterford).
In the last episode:In 2006 Limerick beat a radically different Dublin 2-16 to 1-13 in the championship.
You bet: Dublin 6/5 with one point handicap, or Limerick 4/5 with the point advantage. 9/1 for a draw.
On your marks: Goals will decide it. An alien achievement, of late, for both, but Dotsy O'Callaghan is due some space.
Gaining ground:Every hurler dreams of a hectic, splinters- flying summer's day in Semple. It's just Dublin hurlers don't dream about it every night.
Just the ticket:Stand tickets €35; €20 for the terrace. Kids stand for free, students €5. OAP and students must buy full-price stand tickets, but get €20 refund on entry.
Crystal gazing: If Limerick get a sniff of something they will go crazy for every ball. But it can be quelled if Dublin have added maturity to growing repertoire.
