Gearoid Hegarty believes Limerick’s ferocious appetite for success will be burning for some time.
Three-time all-star Hegarty played a starring role in their historic six-in-a-row provincial triumph over Clare. Hegarty scoring 1-2 from play.
“It felt like our first (title) because it’s such a privilege to play in these games” Hegarty declared. “I think it comes back to enjoying the position we’re in and enjoying the opportunity to play in these (big) games.”
The Munster title awarded John Kiely’s men were an All-Ireland semi-finals place. Where, Limerick will face either Cork or Dublin on July seventh. Exactly one month after winning the Munster crown.
“The Munster championship is a prestigious competition but gaining a four-week break is one of the added benefits of winning it” explains Hegarty. “Once upon a time that would’ve been looked upon negatively”.
“I don’t think people view it like that anymore because of sports science and players being able to get a bit of rest. It also allows older players to recover from any knocks they may have had”.
“We’ll train hard over the next couple of weeks and see what happens.”
Kyles Hayes training match-up
Its one thing having an all-star in your panel, however Limerick are bursting at the seams with awards. It certainly make training competitive with Hegarty squaring up to four-time all-star Kyle Hayes in training.
“I’d start on him (Kyle Hayes), but I’d run away from him for however long the training is on” Hegarty joked.
Hegarty and Limerick are showing no ill-effects of Caroline Currid’s departure. The acclaimed sports psychologist, an integral part of John Kiely’s backroom, stepped away from the Limerick backroom team after last year’s All-Ireland win.
“She’s not involved with us at all in any capacity whatsoever” explained the five-time All-Ireland winner after questions were raised if Currid was still in touch with the set-up.
“Joe O’Connor has come back to us. He was our S&C coach in 2018 when we won the All-Ireland against Galway for the first time”.
“He’s taken up that role now. Joe is brilliant and he brings a bit of freshness as well.”
