It has been an interesting number of weeks in the form of managerial changes across a number of hurling counties. Limerick, Offaly, Cork, Waterford, Wexford, Antrim, Galway and Clare have opted for change. Only those in charge of Tipperary, Kilkenny and Dublin of the major counties remain in situ. It’s a major changing of the guard, but may not achieve anything. All but Wexford have reappointed. Henry Martin assesses the change in Limerick...

Donal O’Grady departed Limerick somewhat acrimoniously having hinted on ‘The Sunday Game’ on the night of the quarter final loss to Dublin that he would be open minded toward remaining in charge. However, a hint is merely a hint and clearly where O’Grady is concerned can be interpreted as nothing more. Picture an attractive blonde wearing a low cut top approaching a willing gentleman. Availability is one thing, but it doesn’t mean you get the prize. Limerick did not get O’Grady, and despite interest from two of his three selectors (Pat Heffernan didn’t enter the race to succeed him), John Allen has come in. He has made his mark almost immediately, releasing a number of players within days. When this writer thinks of Allen it’s in terms of two things - the ruthless withdrawal of Ronan Curran and Brian Corcoran in the All Ireland semi final against Clare in 2005, a move that could have had him hung drawn and quartered in Cork had it backfired. The other memory is of his RTÉ appearance one night when he was severely critical of anonymous criticism forums on internet websites such as this. Those who deem Allen to be a soft touch are clearly misinformed.

The reaction to Allen’s appointment has been indifferent to say the least, with a letter printed in last week’s ‘Limerick Leade’r from Jimmy Collins of Clarina rather harshly questioning his ability to motivate a team. The main criticism would appear to be that we are not going anywhere fast in Limerick and that a slow building process must be undergone to achieve success in the future. People point at the low cost Waterford solution, but let’s be honest here, there are people prepared to support Limerick financially. Limerick - being Limerick - there is a need for a non-political figurehead and a professional harmonious structure for the young emerging talent to graduate into. They do not need a situation where they graduate into strife, political machinations and indiscipline. The choice of selectors has been exclusively non ‘political’ also. Eamonn Mescall trained Ahane to three county titles, along with leading UL to the 2002 Fitzgibbon cup as joint manager with Ollie Moran. Mescall is undeterred by politics and judges players by what he sees between the lines.

John Kiely may be a Galbally man, a club with no hurling these days, but played senior hurling with Garryspillane for eight years, winning a county title in 2005 and he managed the Limerick Intermediate team for the past two seasons as well as being a selector on the Under-21 team. He also togged out for Limerick on the day of the 1996 All Ireland final and is very much his own man and well equipped to throw in his lot at this level. Ciaran Carey is Ciaran. Young players look up to him and memories of the 1996 score against Clare linger in the memory.

The playing style will be interesting and John Allen has more or less indicated that he will see what style best suits the players rather than imposing any specific style upon them. The greatest days in the history of Limerick hurling have come on the back of ‘off the cuff’ hurling, and the measured game did not appeal to the faithful last year. However, to play off the cuff hurling, forwards need to be able to fight for their own ball, because the easy ball may never arrive. It remains to be seen what emerges over the spring.