Limerick team named for All-Ireland final is a statement of intent

John Kiely is the first boss to step up and officially announce his team.

The All-Ireland Hurling Final is almost upon us and Limerick have named their team to face Galway. After the outstanding performances of the Limerick bench in the semi-final win over Cork, many expected Limerick to tweak their starting XV but Colm Parkinson, on The GAA Hour, was not convinced. Not long after the dust settled on The Treaty County's stunning victory over their Munster rivals, Parkinson reflected that Shane Dowling (1-4 off the bench) may have to settle for a sub's role again.

"Now Dowling's a super-sub and he was a super-sub against Kilkenny. I think he has fallen into that category."

It may be tough on Dowling but that is how the cookie looks to have crumbled. Indeed, Kiely is keeping his reserves in reserve for Sunday's final against The Tribesmen. With both teams expected to be officially announced on Friday evening, Limerick blinked first. https://twitter.com/LimerickCLG/status/1030544560194314242 That means an unchanged Limerick team heading into a final that will, no doubt, have the nation gripped. Kiely has named a strong team but, if and when they are required, Limerick have the likes of Dowling, Pat Ryan, Seamus Hickey and David Reidy ready and waiting to pounce.

LIMERICK

1. Nickie Quaid (Effin) 2. Sean Finn (Bruff) 3. Mike Casey (Na Piarsaigh) 4. Richie English (Doon) 5. Diarmaid Byrnes (Patrickswell) 6. Declan Hannon (Adare – captain) 7. Dan Morrissey (Ahane) 8. Darragh O’Donovan (Doon) 9. Cian Lynch (Patrickswell) 10. Gearóid Hegarty (St Patrick’s) 11. Kyle Hayes (Kildimo-Pallaskenry) 12. Tom Morrissey (Ahane) 13. Aaron Gillane (Patrickswell) 14. Séamus Flanagan (Feohanagh) 15. Graeme Mulcahy (Kilmallock)

The final throws in at 3:30pm in Croke Park this Sunday, August 19.