ALL-IRELAND CLUB SHC FINAL:WE BRAZENLY attempt to link Seán Stack's storied Munster club final experiences with the Na Piarsaigh replay against Crusheen this Sunday back in Semple Stadium.

No luck.

“Makes no difference,” Stack insisted. “All my work is done during the week. It is not about who is on the line, it is about the players.”

Maybe it never came up at Na Piarsaigh team meetings but Stack, a Clare man breaking new ground as manager of the Limerick champions, hurled for Sixmilebridge in five provincial finals, only capturing the one medal. In fact, the 1993 Munster final defeat to Toomevara was his last day as a senior hurler. And he was coaching the Tipperary champions at the time.

His intercounty hurling career concluded before the 1987 championship (it would be another eight years until Ger Loughnane guided the Banner County out of the shadows).

He is adamant this weekend’s hurling is not about him or anyone else off the field – even if he brings some additional colour to this tale; a Kerry father, a Limerick mother, a Clare man managing a Limerick club against the Clare champions.

Last Sunday’s tie was November hurling. Heavy underfoot. Stack was captivated and believes anyone who can see the wood through the hurleys will agree with him.

“Some were saying it was a dour, dull affair,” he goes. “But they are the people who don’t understand the game of hurling. It was a real contest; some of the defending was just magnificent, especially considering the conditions.

“Players were getting their feet stuck when running on to ball. They had to go back to get it and that did create the ruck situations but it was played with enormous intensity.”

Stack also understands the worsening weather forecast promises a deeper mire this weekend. This ensured he refused a potential switch to Ennis or Limerick.

“I know there are concerns about the small attendance (2,893 turned up) but Cusack Park, Ennis, is not in good enough condition. The Munster Council can go there and see for themselves. It would be unfair on Na Piarsaigh to travel for the game on a pitch the players have never played on before. No, we are happy with Thurles.”

Last Sunday’s conditions underfoot were not to deny a shining 1-7 from Limerick minor captain Shane Dowling.

The teenager’s words to the media afterwards sounded more like an old hand.

“Shane is mature beyond his years,” Stack confirmed. “Very level headed, a real gem that must be nurtured. I just hope the mentors he is under over the coming years are just that. I hope he isn’t overused. That is the only fear with him.”

Dowling was asked about the arrival of 40-year-old All Star Damien Quigley for the last few hectic pucks of the sliotar. “Wasn’t it great to see Damien come in? He’s been flying in training.”

Stack added: “Damien is not a real live contender to start in the team but no harm to drop him in on 59 minutes when he has the experience to drag a free out of someone.”

Yet it is the younger talents, like Dowling and Kevin Downes, who have really transformed Na Piarsaigh.

“The kids nowadays have no problem unlike 20 years ago. They are very ambitious lads. Sure they were tense last Sunday as it was the biggest game of their lives but the occasion didn’t faze them.”

Nevertheless, their opponents threatened to overrun them at times. “They were a real physical force – just as we thought they might be, but a little bit better than we had expected, to be honest.”

Hurling replays in December can adopt a particularly frosty demeanour.

Stack may call on Quigley yet.