JJ Delaney previews the All-Ireland final clash of Limerick v Waterford, and gives his thoughts on Joe Canning’s future.
BY SHANE STAPETON
JJ Delaney insists that Waterford need to grab their chance for an All-Ireland victory while they can.
The Deise had two winless seasons in 2018 and 2019 since last appearing in a final, with new manager Liam Cahill since infusing the team with young players.
A school of thought out there suggests that it may be too soon for Waterford to win an All-Ireland against Limerick on Sunday, but the Kilkenny man disagrees.
He sees a side pockmarked with experience and class such as Jamie Barron, Tadhg de Burca, Kevin Moran and Austin Gleeson, and believes the time is now.
“I don’t buy into that at all,” says Delaney of it being too soon. “The two form teams are in the final for a reason, they’re the best out there at the moment.
“Once you’re in the final you have an unbelievable opportunity and it can never come too early for any player.
“Once you’re out there and have an opportunity to win an All-Ireland final, it is never too early. I would be saying grab your opportunity while you can.
“Kevin Moran (33) played in an All-Ireland in 2008, 2017 and now he’s back again — a phenomenal career and his motivation will be different to the likes of Calum Lyons (23), so he’ll want to grab the opportunity while he can.”
Click play on the video at the top of the page for much more.
LAST FIVE CHAMPIONSHIP MEETINGS
2020: Limerick 0-25 Waterford 0-21 (Munster final)
2019: Limerick 2-24 Waterford 0-10 (Munster round robin)
2018: Limerick 2-26 Waterford 1-16 (Munster round robin)
2011: Waterford 3-15 Limerick 3-14 (Munster semi-final)
2009: Waterford 0-25 Limerick 0-17 (Munster semi-final) Replay
LAST FIVE ALL-IRELAND FINALS
LIMERICK
2018: Limerick 3-16 Galway 2-18
2007: Kilkenny 2-19 Limerick 1-15
1996: Wexford 1-13 Limerick 0-14
1994: Offaly 3-16 Limerick 2-13
1980: Galway 2-15 Limerick 3-9
WATERFORD
2017: Galway 0-26 Waterford 2-17
2008: Kilkenny 3-30 Waterford 1-13
1963: Kilkenny 4-17 Waterford 6-8
1959: Waterford 3-12 Kilkenny 1-10 (replay)
1959: Waterford 1-17 Kilkenny 5-5
*Limerick have reached the All-Ireland final 17 times previously (1897-1910-1918-1921-1923-1933-1934-1935-1936-1940-1973-1974-1980-1994-1996-2007-2018), winning eight (1897-1918- 1921-1934-1936-1940-1973-2018).
*This will be Waterford ‘s eighth All-Ireland final. They won in 1948 and 1959 and lost in 1938-57-63-2008-2017.
*Tipperary (2016) are the only Munster champions to win the All-Ireland title since Cork in 2005.
*Seven counties have shared the 60 All-Ireland titles since Waterford were last successful in 1959 as follows: Kilkenny 22, Cork 11, Tipperary 11, Galway 4; Offaly 4; Wexford 3; Clare 3, Limerick 2.
*John Kiely in his fourth season as Limerick manager. Their championship record in that time is: Played 19; Won 13, Drew 1, Lost 5. Liam Cahill is in his first season with Waterford.
This year’s GAA All Ireland Hurling and Football Championship semi-finals and finals will be Live on Sky Sport Mix.
