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Jamesie O'Connor Feels Limerick Have Yet To Earn Kilkenny's Respect

Jamesie O'Connor Feels Limerick Have Yet To Earn Kilkenny's Respect
Gary Connaughton
By Gary Connaughton
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This weekend's All-Ireland final between Limerick and Kilkenny is a hugely intriguing clash.

The Munster champions seemingly have more talent in their squad to go along with their more impressive recent pedigree, but you can never rule out a Brian Cody team on the biggest stage.

Of course, the most recent championship meeting between these sides is still fresh in the memory. Limerick went into the 2019 All-Ireland semi-final against Kilkenny as heavy favourites, although there were perhaps surprised by the level of competition they faced on that occasion. The Cats put in an incredibly ferocious performance on their way to a one-point victory.

That game is sure to have played a part in the buildup for both teams over the last couple of weeks.

Jamesie O'Connor on the Limerick-Kilkenny rivalry

In fact, Limerick's lack of a big championship win over Kilkenny at Croke Park could be at the forefront of Brian Cody's mind according to Jamesie O'Connor.

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Writing in his column for Sky Sports, the Clare legend said that this John Kiely's side will not earn a real level of respect from Sunday's opposition until the get that monkey off their back.

Limerick are raring for a crack at Kilkenny to gain revenge for 2019. But as much as that, the Cats are yearning for a crack at the Treaty.

You have to earn Kilkenny's respect in hurling, and that means beating them in a big game in Croke Park.

Granted, Limerick prevailed when the sides met in the 2018 All-Ireland quarter-final, but they have not beaten them in HQ.

Talking to Kilkenny people this year, I know they can't wait to take on the All-Ireland champions. Facing Brian Cody's side concentrates Limerick minds. The players want to set the record straight after that 2019 defeat.

In terms of this team's legacy, to win the three-in-a-row, to beat Kilkenny in the final, what better way to do it? And all that is in the mix.

So players and managers will use whatever motivation they can find. John Kiely will be referencing 2019, and that Kilkenny were in their faces and ruffled their feathers right from the off that day. I think they will be ready for the same thing on Sunday.

Limerick will use it as fuel. It's missing from their CV that they haven't beaten Kilkenny in Croke Park.

If you're a Kilkenny player, you're duty-bound to protect the legacy of the great four-in-a-row team. If Limerick win four in five years, they will be mentioned in the same breath as that great black and amber side.

27 July 2019; TJ Reid celebrates following the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final between Kilkenny and Limerick. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Limerick will cement their place in the history books as one of all-time great teams should they win this game, with a landmark victory over Kilkenny the only thing missing from their CV as things stand.

They will likely be forced to approach the task without Cian Lynch, who is rumoured to be unavailable for this game after picking up an injury in training.

Despite his absence and Kilkenny's pedigree on this stage, O'Connor fancies Limerick to get the job done.

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If Limerick play at their best and Kilkenny play at their best, Limerick win.

We've had all this talk about Kilkenny wanting Limerick. Be careful what you wish for. Limerick won't have forgotten 2019, and I think they'll be prepared for whatever avalanche Kilkenny throw at them.

Limerick have defensively had the answers. They haven't conceded too many goals. And I think the Treaty will find a way to get it done.

It will certainly be an interesting clash, one that looks very difficult to call.

With sweltering weather promised this weekend, it should make for quite the occasion.

SEE ALSO: The Definitive Ranking Of Every County's 2022 Away Jersey

 

 

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