Bennis still a believer despite lack of progress

ALL-IRELAND SHC SEMI-FINAL:  GAVIN CUMMISKEYtalks to former Limerick manager Richie Bennis who believes his native county will upset the form book once again

IN 2007 Limerick wrecked the predictable flow of the hurling championship by registering a stunning five goals in their All-Ireland semi-final defeat of a Waterford team performing at their peak.

They were comfortably beaten in the September decider by Kilkenny, but the manner in which they upset the status quo can be repeated again this Sunday. Many of the same cast return to Croke Park for a meeting with Munster champions Tipperary with victories over Wexford, Laois and Dublin giving them the most precious tool in any team sport - momentum.

There is one significant change.

The colourful insights of Richie Bennis have since been replaced by those from wily Corkman Justin McCarthy, but the former star of the fabled 1970s Limerick team remains well able to provide a respected opinion on upcoming events.

In 2007, Waterford were Munster champions having beaten Bennis's side in the provincial decider. That they came back to haunt them was a testament to the character of a long-serving if under-achieving group. Such a tag becomes hard to deny if a county gathers three under-21 All-Ireland titles, but fails to add any senior silverware.

But, again, like 2007, when Limerick revelled at the opportunity of another tilt at Waterford, Bennis notes parallels to their underdog status coming in against Tipperary.

"Limerick will have no inhibitions about playing Tipperary. All the pressure is on them to atone for last year's semi-final defeat when they were odds-on to beat Waterford, but fell down. In many ways Tipperary remind me of Waterford a few years back in that they are making All-Ireland semi-finals but are unable to kick on."

He truly believes Limerick will win - "If I was a betting man I would put my money on Limerick and that's not the heart ruling the head" - despite failing to see any genuine improvement on McCarthy's watch.

"I have seen no progress as such this year. They were lucky to beat Laois and they beat Wexford in Wexford but, sure, they are a Division Two team. It can be said they were also lucky to beat Dublin and I have yet to see why so many people are talking so highly about Dublin. Sure, what have they done? They beat Wexford, something they should have done the year before."

He does concede the maturing of Gavin O'Mahony and Paudie McNamara into fine senior hurlers. "Gavin can be seen as a great addition. When we were involved he was only 19, but he has come on since. Paudie Mac in at full forward is another who two seasons back was hindered by injury and then studies, but looks fully committed now."

Tipperary have got into a habit of streaking clear this summer before allowing Cork, Clare and Waterford almost reel them back in. "If they get ahead I'd be concerned for Limerick as they have surely worked on not losing leads as they have done twice this summer. But maybe that is still a problem."

Asked about the notion that the gap is closing on Kilkenny this year, Bennis adopts a similar stance to that taken by an exasperated Davy Fitzgerald in the wake of Waterford's defeat to the All-Ireland champions on Sunday. Hurling referees are in the firing line at present.

"There are little things this year that referees are blowing up and Kilkenny are suffering as a result. The taps and putting in of the hurl were not being called a few years back, but all the publicity surrounding Kilkenny and how they play on the edge has changed the perception.

"If you look at say the All Blacks they have always played on the edge and that's why I would admire them so much. Any team I have ever sent out I have tried to instil that kind of attitude because it is a winning attitude."

The conversation finishes with what can be described almost as a rallying call. This Limerick group turned the form book upside down in 2007 and are aiming to repeat the feat in 2009.

"Tipperary are more worried of Limerick than Limerick are of Tipperary. You can be sure of that."