CORK footballers stand between Limerick and the last eight of the All Ireland series. For the fifth time in five years the near neighbours will meet in the championship, this time, in the qualifiers.
In a repeat of last year’s Munster football final, Cork and Limerick face off in the last round of qualifiers. Cork won by the slimmest of margins last year so this Saturday night at 7pm, Limerick followers can expect another hard fought encounter.
The game itself was set up by virtue of a toss of a coin. Limerick and Cork agreed that they would toss for a home venue should they meet in the qualifiers. A risky choice you might think, but Limerick manager Mickey Ned O Sullivan believes that sometime Limerick’s luck had to come in. “If we had lost the toss, it would have been the eight straight time that Limerick followers would have had to travel to see their players in championship action. Our luck had to change. In fairness, we spoke to the players and they wanted the chance the play at home in front of a large Limerick crowd. We decided that we would go for a home game instead of settling for a neutral venue”.
The game itself against Limerick’s nearest neighbours is seen as the most difficult draw for Limerick of the teams that are left. “You have to beat every one if you want to win. If we are good enough we will win it, on Saturday”, added Mickey Ned. “Cork are expected to win the All Ireland by everyone this year. They are one of the top two in the country. We know all about them and they know all about us. We know where we are now after playing them last year and playing Kerry this year. We are up there with them and we know we are as good as any one” continued the Kerry native.
Indeed, this weekend’s game, (Live on RTE2 and Live 95fm) is a watershed moment for this Limerick team. Limerick have never qualified for an All Ireland quarter final and with two successive Munster final defeats, this Limerick panel needs a big scalp. Mickey Ned O Sullivan agrees.
“It is very difficult for Limerick to make a break through at provincial level. If we were in another province we would be winnings titles more regularly. That is a fact. Cork and Kerry are great sides and we will be looking to make our mark this Saturday. It is a watershed game and we know what to expect. We will be ready come 7pm on Saturday”
There are no major injury worries ahead of the tie as Limerick can pick from full strength panel. Twenty two players were down to play hurling last weekend with their clubs. In this dual county that is always a worry, but as of the time of going to press all members of the panel were ready to go toe to toe with last season’s All Ireland finalists.
Cork made it to this round by beating Cavan and Wexford, all be it, not very impressively.
“There is no psychological fear” says Mickey Ned. There fore it is about time Limerick beat the blood and bandage of Cork.
