LIMERICK GAA’s stock was back up this week as the footballers secured their second win in a row, while Ard Scoil Ris qualified for the final of the All Ireland colleges.
This weekend it will be the turn of the Limerick hurlers to keep the momentum going as they take on Carlow on Sunday afternoon (2.30pm Throw in at Dr. Cullen Park), looking for their fifth win in a row. For many, a defeat to Carlow in a challenge match last year was the beginning of the end for Limerick hurling management team.
According to the new boss though, “Carlow is a tough place to go and we know it”.
Speaking to Postsport this week, Limerick hurling manager Donal O’Grady thinks that a win in Carlow would be ideal, but not in any way guaranteed. “Anyone who thinks that Limerick can just beat sides like Carlow is wrong. Dr Cullen park is a fortress for Carlow and they are as strong as anyone in this league. They beat Laois this season in Portlaois and we struggled to beat Laois. When you think of the work Carlow have done in the last few years, (club sides playing in Kilkenny leagues) they you must take into account the height of the task that will face us on Sunday” added O’Grady.
Limerick are currently topping the division two hurling table and with only three games left, it looks as if Limerick will be facing Clare in the league final.
With Limerick’s first Munster championship match on June 6 versus Waterford, the Treatymen will be looking to be competitively hurling well into April and early May at least. That however is a fans views. The manager is keeping his feet on the ground. “This division is extremely tight. No one can afford to lose points. We will be travelling down to Carlow looking for the win, but we know that we will have to earn it. Our injuries are clearing up and we have Mark O’Riordan with us this weekend, so at the moment things are going well. However, as everyone knows, things can change in an instant in sport”.
The Maurice Horan led Limerick footballers travelled last Sunday to Drogheda to take on Louth. The Shannonsiders had been in relegation trouble, but a win over Cavan in the previous round had led to increased confidence.
For the second week in a row, it was a goal from Pa Ranahan which helped Limerick secure a 1-14 to 1-11 win. The wing back gambled on a pointed effort from Eoin Hogan that came back off an upright in the 54th minute, leaving the Ballysteen man with the easiest of tap ins.
Limerick lead 0-9 to 1-4 at the break and were fully deserving of their win, playing some great football and notching up some incredible scores from play. Next up for the footballlers is a home tie against Westmeath on Sunday week next in Newcastlewest.
