"WHEN the ball starts rolling the tension will go". This is Limerick manager Tom Ryan's tenet in the countdown to Sunday's Munster, hurling final against Tipperary at the Gaelic Grounds.

But Ryan feels it would be necessary to pass on his belief, in this regard, to his charges, four Munster final debutants among them.

"We are a more mature, more united and more determined team than ever. One has only got to look at the attitude in training, a really happy squad. The major difference between now and 1994 is that two, years ago we would have been more than happy to settle for winning the Munster title. Our bid for All Ireland success came too soon for a young team. We are that much more ready now."

Ryan is pleased with the fitness levels of the recently injured members of his squad, although Gary Kirby is still receiving treatment for his Achilles injury. "I will go through the pain barrier if need be," Kirby says. Damien Quigley, who has a broken bone in his thumb, has been gripping the hurley comfortably in training. Dave Clarkes rib injury is not giving any trouble in training and apparently the same applies to Mike 55 shoulder injury.

Tom Ryan exudes confidences when asked to consider how new comers to this level such as Shane O'Neill, Oliver O'Neill, Padge Tobin and Mark Foley are likely to react.

"These players are geared both mentally and physically towards dealing with this type of responsibility. Our team building process began way back. The older players have brought the younger ones along and all are ready."

Ryan refers tub the developing process as "Limerick's young academy of hurling", and is confident that the strongest team possible has been picked for Sunday's clash. There are other players, like Barry Foley and Brian Tobin who have already proved themselves in this year's campaign as replacements. Ryan says. "I wouldn't have the slightest hesitation playing them on Sunday if they are needed."

Perhaps Limerick's greatest strength going into Sunday's game is the competition among the squad members for places. "It is an extremely healthy position to be in, and yes, I do agree it is the mother of all Munster championships when your team has to beat Cork, Clare and Tipperary to win it," he says.

"Playing Tipperary is trying to beat a tradition as well as a team. This is the way we guys in the dug out would see it, but I don't suppose the young players out, there are thinking of the tradition end of it"

Ryan views Sunday's match as one that will be won by the team that makes the least number of mistakes. "We made no mistakes of any serious nature against Clare but our forwards did not combine well, they were far too individualistic. This is something that must change on Sunday and I suspect (Quigley) bring a boilt."

If Ryan is worried about anything ahead of the game it is this lack of concerted forward effort which surfaced against Clare. "The Clare backs were given two much leeway to clear their lines. It was worrying, but I feel we are yet to play to our full potential anyway.

"It is difficult to put the finger on where strengths and weaknesses are likely to crop up in a match like this. Sometimes your best hopes and wishes are dashed in one area and turn up trumps unexpectedly in another. I feel, though, that our forwards will have to be given intelligent ball as opposed to the ordinary run of the mill stuff.

"Midfield edge will count for a great deal in this respect," he adds.

Meanwhile, Sean Treacy who captained Galway in last year's All Ireland semi final defeat by Clare, has been ruled out of Galway's All Ireland plans up to September 1st, the day of the final. Treacy has been given a three month ban by the Galway county board.

The denfender was sent to a club match while assisting Portumna against Athenry, and will not be available for selection until August 17th over a fortnight after the semi finals are decided.

He is one of two substitutes introduced in the National League Final whom manager Mattie Murphy and selectors could not name for Saturday evening's Connacht hurling Final against Roscommon at Hyde Park.

Padraig Kelly was also a late starter in the League Final, but is now ruled out with a ankle injury.

The Galway selectors name the same team that started the League decider for Saturday's match.

Wexford hurling manager Liam Griffin is almost certain that he will have to do without the services of corner forward Paul Codd for Sunday week's Leinster final against Leinster champions Offaly.

Codd sustained a fracture to his knee in a challenge against Waterford.