Fit-again Flanagan itching for Treaty return

This year’s Munster SHC final experience was a different one for Limerick full-forward Seamus Flanagan.

The high of a hat-trick against Cork in the round-robin was followed by a hamstring injury picked up against Waterford.

It meant the in-form Feohanagh-Castlemahon man was in a watching capacity as his replacement Shane O’Brien took his opportunity to shine, picking off two points in their latest provincial success, a six-point win over Clare last month.

On Sunday he hopes to return to action when they meet the Rebels again in an All-Ireland semi-final, with the five-in-a-row dream very much alive for John Kiely’s men.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport’s Marty Morrissey, the bustling forward acknowledged that being sidelined for the Munster final victory was a challenge in itself.

“It was tough enough to watch the boys from the stand,” he said.

“It’s great to say you have another Munster medal, but not being part and parcel of it was disappointing for myself. Just to get back in the mix again, I can’t wait.”

While Treaty supporters dream of unprecedented Liam MacCarthy glory, Flanagan says the team is very much savouring the journey.

The provincial six-in-a-row was another glorious chapter in their story, with the full-forward adamant the enjoyment is as strong as ever.

“It’s something we’ll look back on in years to come, but it hasn’t fallen on deaf ears either that it is such an achievement for us,” he said.

“John spoke this year about the enjoyment, and we’re definitely enjoying it at the moment, enjoying every game because you don’t know when this is going to end.”

With a whole host of new players challenging the core group of Limerick players that have delivered incredible success, the competition for places is as strong as it has ever been under Kiely’s watch.

While desperate to reclaim his place in the starting XV, Flanagan admits it’s a tall order with so many putting up their hand for selection.

“Shane O’Brien came in for me and really stood up,” he stressed. “Adam English and Aidan O’Connor, guys who would love a starting berth. To have them coming in off the bench is really special for the group.”

Watch the All-Ireland Hurling Championship semi-finals, Kilkenny v Clare (3pm on Saturday on RTÉ One) and Limerick v Cork (4pm on Sunday on RTÉ2). Both games available on RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to commentary on RTÉ Radio 1