Waterford capable of bridging gap

MUNSTER SFC SEMI-FINAL/Waterford v Limerick:WATERFORD FOOTBALL gets especially ambitious this weekend. One win away from making a first Munster football final since 1960, and they won't be overly worried that it's Limerick standing in their way. There was precious little between these two teams in Division Four of the league – Waterford winning the group match, Limerick winning the final.

It should be noted, however, that Waterford haven’t actually beaten Limerick in the championship since 1981, and they are definitely surrendering some experience to Mickey Ned O’Sullivan’s men, who made the Munster final last year and very, very nearly beat Cork.

Former Limerick dual star Stephen Lucey returns from injury, as does Johnny McCarthy, and Stephen Lavin also starts. There is one championship debutant in goalkeeper Brian Scanlon but considerable experience elsewhere in the likes of Stephen Kelly, John Galvin and Ian Ryan.

Waterford manager John Owens makes one change from the first-round win over Clare, with Robert Ahearne starting at full forward in place of Patrick Hurney, who is carrying a leg injury.

LIMERICK: B Scanlon; M O’Riordan, J McCarthy, A Lane; S Lavin, S Lucey, P Ranahan; J O’Donovan, J Galvin; P Browne, J Ryan, S Buckley; G Collins, I Ryan, S Kelly.

WATERFORD: T Wall; M O’Gorman, T O’Gorman, K Connery; T Grey, S Briggs, E Walsh; M Ahearne, T Prendergast; B Wall, C McGrath, W Hennessy; L O’Lionan, R Ahearne, G Hurney.

Referee: S Doyle (Wexford).

In the Last Episode:In the championship in 2004 Limerick won by 14 points.

You Bet: Waterford are considered outsiders at 9/4, with the draw available at 15/2, and Limerick no better than 4/9.

On Your Marks: Waterford can't afford a slack start or else the game could be out of sight.

Gaining Ground: Fraher Field is unlikely to offer Waterford much of an advantage, as Limerick are well familiar with the venue.

Just The Ticket:General Admission €20; Students get rebates of €5 and OAPs get rebates of €10 on production of appropriate ID.

Crystal Gazing: Limerick look more likely winners but something about that ring of 50 years since Waterford last made a Munster final is calling for a home victory.