The quest for Liam With the build up to the All-Ireland hurling final well and truly underway the excitement and hysteria will reach even higher levels in Kilkenny and Limerick as the big day approaches. For the players in these two counties the weeks prior to the final itself will appear to go very slowly. They will simply be itching to get at it - there are only so many training sessions that you can take part in so it's best to keep one self occupied. It's amazing how taking part in an All-Ireland final can totally consume the mind. First thing in the morning - every spare minute during the day, last thing at night the chances are the players are thinking about the final. It could be concerns about their own fitness, thoughts about their direct opponent, worries over team mates, team selection, injuries or even the weather. With 2-3 weeks before the big day, players will have a fair idea who their direct opponent will be. Every eventuality will go through their head. With Tyrone the training sessions that took place in the weeks prior to the final were by far the best of the year. For some strange reason there would be very few missing out through injury. Everyone would be in good form, full of energy and ready to give of their best - anything to get into tip top shape for the big day. Sean Og O hAlpin described these weeks prior to an All-Ireland final as what hurlers lived for - for those lucky enough to make it. He suggested that this was the biggest reward a player could receive - preparing to play for your county in an All-Ireland final. He is right and whilst the Kilkenny men may take it for granted the Limerick lads will know that they are in a privileged position. It is with much embarrassment that I have to say that I have never made it to a hurling final. This despite the fact that the first Tyrone jersey I donned was for the Tyrone hurlers in an underage competition. The fact that I was registered for Killyclogher hurling club when making my debut for Tyrone minors a few years back is as the man says neither here nor there! For many years club commitments with football that is, has prevented me from attending the final. It will do so again this year. However the odd Munster and Leinster hurling finals I attended has left me keen for more. Without a doubt watching the game on TV does not do justice to what is the best field game in the world. To witness the speed, artistry and bravery of these men at close hand is something else. For those that are in two minds about going to a big hurling game don't think twice - go if you really want to appreciate the clash of the ash. Like many gaels around the country I'm more than a little disappointed that Waterford have not made it through to the final. Without a shadow of a doubt I've found them to provide the best entertainment in the championship this year and that includes hurling and football. Sport can be cruel and it will be a tragedy if the likes of Ken McGrath and Tony Browne don't get the chance to perform in an All-Ireland final let alone win one. I don't say that lightly. Having played for my own county for 14 years before winning an All-Ireland I know what it is like to experience the heartache of losing and missed opportunities. What many people don't realise is that it's just not a defeat in one game. After losing to Limerick, Browne, McGrath and many of the Waterford players won't see it as another year wasted but maybe 6, 7 or 8 years wasted. They have seen Clare and Cork come out of Munster so many times to go on to win the Liam McCarthy and now Limerick have taken their chance. The more people say that it was an injustice to play three weeks on the trot in Croke Park will not make any difference. The more people tell them that they played the best hurling this year will not make them feel any better, it's only rubbing salt into the wound. As players you don't need reminded - the fact is it's another year without the Liam Mc McCarthy. The Limerick defeat will not be easily forgotten, lessons will be learned but the scars will remain. They will carry this into the summer of '08 when once again they will be consumed with the passion of bringing the Liam McCarthy back to Waterford. The older one gets there are always temptations to throw in the towel. I was thankful that the negatives in my own mind were quickly removed towards the latter stages of my own career. I hope Browne, Flynn, McGrath and co do likewise. The long wait will make their success all the sweeter when it does come. In 2003 Mickey Harte spoke time and time again about the powers of persistence. It's a trait that I hope the Decies have in abundance next year. As one fairytale ended another continues to flourish. Limerick like Waterford have suffered their fair share of set backs in the past and not too many neutrals would begrudge them their day in the sun. Whether Gary Kirby and Richie Bennis can mastermind a victory over the aristocrats of hurling we'll soon find out. This game has brought about the David and Goliath comparisons. Limerick have been written off at various stages this year but they refuse to be bowed. The question remains are Limerick good enough to take on and defeat the Kings of Kilkenny? Tweet

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