JOHN ALLEN cut a picture of a lonely figure as his side lost their opening league game to Clare at the Gaelic Grounds on February 25 last.
The 2-24 to 1-13 defeat has Limerick fans worried that this season might be another false dawn. “We will have to win all our games from here and see if we can reach a league final,” were the words of the Cork native. Little did people think that he would be right. Limerick come full circle this weekend as the Banner men come to town once more for a repeat of last year’s Division 2 final.
“We have come full circle alright. We were uninspiring on that first night out. We were no where near where we wanted to be. We were surprised at how fit and strong Clare were for so early in the season. We have gone away and worked hard. The trainings have been brilliant since and the attitude of the players has to be commended.”
The turn around is quiet remarkable considering the poor showing in that season opener. Limerick have won three and drawn one game since. With Clare being undefeated, Allen sees them as firm favourites too.
“Clare would have to be strong favourites for the game. I know it sounds like I am ‘bigging’ them up, but they deserve to be favourites on the basis that they can rest players and still win games. They are hugely physical. They are very good tactically, which is a testament to Davy Fitzgerald. They have gone unbeaten in five games in the league, which is hugely impressive. We will need to make sure we all play to the best of our abilities at the weekend to force a win”
Limerick have been high scoring in this season’s campaign. The average score for Limerick is 2-19 for and 2-15 against. The scores for are hugely impressive, while scores against can always be improved on.
“We need to improve in defence alright” admitted Allen. “Those four goals against Offaly did not do us any favours there. We need to be mean and lean in every department on the field. Clare are known for their fitness and short puck outs. Our corner forwards will need to be defending as hard as our corner backs.”
Limerick go into this weekend’s game without Declan Hannon. The talented forward is still struggling with a leg injury which has seen him miss the entire league campaign.
“We have been missing players for large parts of the league. We have missed Hannon, Dowling and Downes at different stages and to be honest, Limerick hurling needs players like them to be available” added Limerick manager John Allen.
With doubts surrounding Conor Allis and Tom Condon, Limerick will know later in the week if they are going to be at full strength for the final showdown. Allen however is pleased with those players that have come in.
“The league this year is a little different than most others. With the shorter league, teams have been unable to really experiment. Teams have only really changed sides due to injuries. Except Clare of course, due to being through already. With the league being short, the gap between league and championship is longer so we will be giving everyone that has not played many games, more game time in that period. We are building a young squad here for the months of May, June and July. That is when we will really see where we are. Hopefully by then we will be back in the Division 1A,” concluded the All Ireland winning coach.
