SHANE DOWLING SAYS Limerick must make the most of their opportunity to win the All-Ireland final after their incredible extra-time victory over Cork.
Limerick rallied from six points down with six minutes of normal time remaining to force the game to extra-time where goals from Dowling and Pat Ryan sealed their spot in the All-Ireland decider for the first time since 2007.
“It’s pure magic,” he told the Sunday Game after their semi-final victory in Croke Park.
“To hear ‘Seán South of Garryowen’ ringing out there… Listen we’re a passionate county.”
Limerick’s last All-Ireland final appearance in 2007 ended in defeat against Kilkenny and Dowling said this side must capitalise on the opportunity to win the Liam MacCarthy cup after an 11-year wait to get back to the final.
"I really hope we're not just going to get to the final to march behind the band. I want Limerick to go all the way." pic.twitter.com/EcM1Jc8sm3
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) July 29, 2018
He also asked fans to leave the players to focus on their preparations for a clash with either Clare or Galway whose semi-final on Saturday must go to a replay.
“I will ask for one message, I’ll ask the supporters to enjoy it and I hope they embrace it.
But I do plead that they leave the players [to] focus for the next three weeks because we’ve been here a number of times in the last 30 or 40 years and this time I really hope we’re not just going to get to the final to march behind the band, I want Limerick to go all the way.”
Dowling was introduced in the 56th minute of the tie when it looked like Limerick were drifting out of the contest.
He made a considerable impact from the bench, hitting 1-4 in total including a penalty which helped propel them to victory.
“Obviously, you’re disappointed not to start but you have to soak it up and when you get your opportunity — I know it’s a boring cliché — but when you get your chance you have to take it.
On any number of days, subs will come on and they haven’t made an impact. I’m delighted things fell my way and give John [Kiely] something to think about in a couple of weeks.
“No matter what the case may be, we’re a serious panel and I genuinely mean that.
“15 players will take to the field, it’s going to be a 20-man game and whatever anyone’s part is, we’ll do what we’re told.
“We’re a seriously ambitious group of players. I said it a couple of weeks ago, I can’t tell whether Limerick are going to win an All-Ireland but I’ll make one promise; the next three weeks we’ll work hard and we’ll try our very best.”
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