The force may be with Limerick but forwards are with Tipperary

WITH the cloud of Gary Kirby's injury having apparently passed away from tomorrow's Guinness Munster hurling final replay, a sense of equilibrium returns. The whole occasion would have suffered from the absence of such a central character.

The effect on Limerick would have been obvious. With the possible exception of Tyrone's football captain, Peter Canavan, no player comes as close to being irreplaceable on an inter county team. In terms of his contribution from dead balls, scores from play and general contribution, Kirby is a sine qua non as far as Limerick's chances of winning anything are concerned.

After the turbulence of the week, the question of who's ahead on points after the drawn match remains. The strength of Limerick's comeback was of huge importance to the team, not alone for the obvious reason that it bridged a 10 point gap but also that it fuelled the growing conviction that the team is unbeatable this year.

In the welter of excitement that followed the final whistle, Limerick's revival dominated impressions of the afternoon to the comparative exclusion of Tipperary's own rear guard action.

With seven minutes left, T J Ryan brought Limerick level and it was hard to be sanguine about Tipperary's chances of survival. The regrouping they effected in the closing minutes was nearly sufficient to win the match for a second time and only some inexplicably poor finishing left the door open for Limerick.

Tipperary's opening 35 minutes were also a revelation for a team that hasn't produced a notable championship performance since winning the All Ireland five years ago. The defence was generally sound but at times exhibited a looseness in clearing the hall which went unpunished in the first half but not in the second.

Midfield benefited from the initial momentum and hardly lost a ball to Mike Houlihan and Sean O'Neill. Conal Bonnar fitted in seamlessly but Brian O'Meara struggled, and that struggle became a problem as the game wore on.

It was, however, the attack that will have most pleased Tipperary. Michael Cleary and Declan Ryan, after difficult years, delivered good displays as with most of their colleagues particularly in the first half.

Furthermore, for a team that plainly lacked the same top grade match practice which Limerick had experienced, Tipperary have now fucked a hard and fast championship tie under their belts.

Limerick credited their account with a couple of useful performances from unexpected sources. Mike Galligan's arrival at half time helped pep up the attack, but a return of one point from someone who can score could still be improved.

Frankie Carroll, however, gave notice that he may be regaining the form of two years ago. His energy on the half forward line was complemented by some sharp finishing.

The central thrust still came from the established figures of Kirby, Ciarn Carey, Mike Houlihan and the developing presence of new wing back Mark Foley.

One rule of replays favours the team that learns more from the drawn match. In their favour, Limerick have picked well. The bell has been tolling for Shane O'Neil and Padraig Tobin for a while and their exit to make way for Galligan and Carroll was sensible.

Moving Damien Quigley to full forward also has merit as he is the sort of player fast, and quick on the turn who has troubled Paul Shelly in the past. Quigley will have had a week to rehabilitate his injured hand which obviously inhibited him last week.

Tipperary's decision to leave Brian O'Meara at midfield is curious, given that Aidan Ryan injected the usual extra pace into proceedings on his introduction. The belief obviously persists that his optimum role is as a substitute.

Which team has most room for improvement? It could be argued that both could benefit from playing the two halves, but Tipperary have more proven performers who will want to do better. Young Liam Cahill may well end up short of his big contribution of last week, but will John Leahy be as quiet again? Will George Frend let T J Ryan in for another three points?

Within 30 minutes last Sunday, all Tipperary's attack had scored from play and all eight forwards used including substitutes English and Kevin Tucker had done so by the end of the match. This represents an even spread of scoring potential that indemnifies a team against power cuts in any one quarter.

Finally can Limerick continue to go so heavily into overdraft in matches? The energy sapping comebacks of both last week and the semi final against Clare have to be taking a toll. The force may be with Limerick, but the forwards are with Tipperary.