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Justin Mc Carthy speaks to the Limerick Post

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LIMERICK senior hurling manager Justin Mc Carthy this week spoke to Postsport about last weekend’s Munster hurling semi final and much, much more.
On the game itself?
“We were obviously disappointed with the result. We know we can play better than we did on Sunday, but in saying that I feel that in some positions we had lads who hurled better than their marker and that is an achievement when you consider the experience that Cork have.”
On the mood in the camp after the 12 point defeat?
“The lads know themselves that they left some scores behind them last Sunday. We missed a penalty, we missed a few frees and of course we had a man sent off. The panel is a very level headed panel and they know where they are in the grand scheme of things and they know, like I do, that we are not going to get success overnight but it will come and days like last Sunday will stand to them.”
On the comments in the national media that Limerick are going backwards?
“I don’t believe that for one minute. Limerick needs to move forward as a county. Everyone is moving forward and so do we. Look at Dublin last weekend. They were six points off of Kilkenny last year and now they are 19 points off of them. Teams like Kilkenny, Cork and Tipperary are not standing still and therefore neither can we. Limerick needs to move on from the hidden agendas and the in fighting and as a county we need to move on. If everybody else stood still then it would be easy to catch up, but they are not.”
Does Limerick hurling need a reality check?
“Well, as people have said, it is 37 years since Limerick won an All Ireland so they should not be expected to win every match they play in, nor should Limerick be favourites to beat Cork in Cork either. I mean, the tradition is there alright for Limerick but over the last numbers of years the results have not been good enough for Limerick. When I arrived here there was lots of talking and agendas and more talking. I felt that someone needed to take charge and get the grounding right. Success doesn’t happen overnight but it does come from solid bases. Hurling is bigger than all of us and Limerick, as a county, needs more harmony, There needs to be more harmony in the county. There needs to be no more splits, grudges or arguments. The supporters need to give everyone a chance and we need to move on.”
On the pressure of dealing with the so called ‘split’?
“I have been involved in hurling for several years now. In fact I think I am the longest serving manager in a job at the moment. I am not saying that to blow my own trumpet, but I feel I have a lot to knowledge to give to players and with a right minded, dedicated bunch I think I can help. I have never lost my appetite for the game and I don’t see that happening any time soon either.”
Where to now then for Limerick?
“Well, there are club games this weekend and there are also under 21 championship games next week too so we will leave the lads hurl away with their clubs and we will call them back in then next week to prepare for the qualifiers. The experience gained from last week will have helped them all immensely. You can tell a player what championship hurling is like, but he has to experience it for himself so he can improve.”
On the low attendance at the weekend from Limerick?
“The days of the big crowds are gone I suppose. The cost of going to big games like last weekend are very high. Taking in account the hot weather too and comparing last weekend to the crowd at the other semi final between Clare and Waterford, I think that the game last weekend was not that far off. GAA fans are now looking for huge occasion before they go to games. The days of sell out quarter and semi finals appear to have passed for the time being.”
On being worried about low crowds and support for the qualifiers?
“I would ask the people, who support Limerick hurling to come out and support their players. The lads last Sunday gave their all for the full 70 minutes. One thing that these lads give is 100%. I think the hurling people in this county respect that and see the team as worth following. There is great pride in the green of Limerick and I would hope that the fans will follow us the next day no matter who we play, The players and backroom team’s efforts deserve that at least.”