Kirby calls for stability
August 18, 2009
Limerick's Gary Kirby
Gary Kirby believes Limerick's high turnover of hurling managers is doing them no favours.
The former All-Star centre forward was part of Richie Bennis' management team which made way for Justin McCarthy and his selectors Liam Garvey and Brian Ryan last autumn, despite having led Limerick to the All-Ireland final in 2007.
And while he feels McCarthy got his tactics badly wrong in last Sunday's All-Ireland semi-final drubbing at the hands of Tipperary, Kirby says now is not the time for change.
"It is important there is some consistency to give the players and management a chance," he told the Irish Sun.
"There has been way too much chopping and changing of managers. Richie took the team to an All-Ireland final and the following year they got rid of him.
"Dave Keane won three All-Ireland under 21 titles and they got ride of him after only one year. The tactics weren't right on Sunday, it wasn't Limerick hurling.
"Justin doesn't know Limerick hurling and this was his first year in charge. There is nothing wrong with trying out systems but it was 33 minutes into the game before they started playing anything like Limerick hurling and the damage was done at that stage."
He added: "It was very disappointing. It looked like they had no structure and like they didn't have any heart - but I know those players and that would not be the case. They can get back because there are good hurlers in Limerick.
"The lack of success at underage level would be a big concern, though."
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