Justin Mc Carthy (hurler) - Managing Limerick

Managing Limerick

On 7 October 2008 McCarthy was named as the new manager of the Limerick senior hurling team. His side started the Munster Championship with a draw with Waterford, but were beaten in the replay. They then entered the Qualifier System and had wins over Wexford and Laois. They then were drawn against beaten Leinster finalists Dublin in Semple Stadium. Despite going into the game as underdogs Limerick came out 2-18 to 1-17 winners. The semi final paired Limerick with Tipperary however Tipperary proved too strong on the day and won 6-19 to 2-07.

In 2009 following the heavy loss to Tipperary, McCarthy dropped a number of high profile players from the training panel for the 2010 season which led to a number of other players not making themselves available. In January 2010, members of the ousted Limerick hurling panel issued a lengthy statement hitting out at McCarthy and his management team ahead of the EGM of all county board delegates. The statement highlighted their six main issues detailing back to the lack of communication in the lead up to the announcement of McCarthy's winter training panel in November 2009. A vote on McCarthy's leadership took place in December 2009, and it was decided to retain McCarthy's services as manager. His role as Limerick hurling manager came under more pressure in March 2010 as it became clear that a special county board meeting had been arranged. At the meeting on 23 March, McCarthy retained his post following a failed vote of no confidence. On 19 July 2010 McCarthy resigned as manager after his side was knocked out of the qualifiers by Offaly.