LIMERICK'S manager Tom Ryan, who had his fair share of disappointments before Sunday's collapse to Tipperary, says that his future at the helm lies in the hands of the County Board.
Ryan and selectors Liam Lenihan and Berney Savage are committed to continue in office up to the end of the year. Before any decision is made the present Limerick management team will carry on in charge of the county hurlers until their League campaign ends. Limerick have reached next month's semi-finals in which they will take on either Cork or Kilkenny.
Offaly's hurling boss John McIntyre has not concealed his bitter disappointment from his players following what he describes as a poor display against Laois. He feels Offaly were very lucky to survive to Sunday's Croke Park Leinster semi-final against Wexford. "That unflattering display makes me feel very apprehensive going into Sunday's match," McIntrye said.
Compounding McIntyre's concern are some nagging injuries in the camp. Full back Kevin Kinahan is nursing a hamstring injury and Gerry Oakley also faces a fitness test tomorrow with a badly damaged finger that impairs his grip.
A morsel of comfort to McIntyre, at this stage, is the knowledge that his side beat Wexford by three points in the League.
Wexford secretary Michael Kinsella claims that the county hurlers demotion to Division Two will not have an inhibiting effect on the side in Sunday's game. "We rose from Division Two to win the All-Ireland," he is glad to recall.
Midfielder Rory McCarthy is doubtful for the All-Ireland title holders. The team will be named this evening.
Michael O'Grady's Dublin will go into combat against Kilkenny in the other Leinster senior hurling semi-final, with an unbeaten record but Liam Walsh is ruled out. The Faughs man has an arm in plaster following a fall.
Meanwhile the Munster Council of the GAA last night decided on Pairc Ui Chaoimh as the venue for the Munster senior hurling final between Tipperary and Clare on July 6th.
The decision was taken behind closed doors in Limerick and the press were asked to leave while the matter of a venue was being discussed.
The match is to be all ticket. The Gaelic Grounds, Limerick, was the alternative venue and looked in strong contention for the plumb tie following Limerick's defeat in last Sunday's semi-final.
But, on a show of hands and following much debate, the Cork venue won out.
