Limerick star Donie Ryan is confident that Sunday's National Hurling League final against Kilkenny in Thurles won't prove a distraction ahead of the Munster championship clash with Tipperary on May 14. Joe McKenna's rejuvenated team came from eight points down to beat Clare in last Sunday's semi-final and in the process, extended their unbeaten run to 15 matches this year. However, the Garryspillane man insists that Limerick won't be taking their eye off the ball irrespective of the outcome of Sunday's final. "We will have a fair game in the final against Kilkenny," he said. "That's only the stepping stone on to two weeks after that again. May 14 is D-Day and we have to deliver, and that's it. We are not losing sight of that." Ryan has been delighted with Limerick's return to form this season after a couple of disappointing years. "It is great to be back in the final in comparison to what has happened in the last two years. It is great to have Limerick hurling back. "Any medal at this stage would be lovely. We set out to win the Waterford Crystal and we won it. We set out to win the league, and we are now in the final." Donie's brother and current team captain TJ was centre back on the last Limerick team to win a National League title in 1997. Tweet

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