WITH the news this week that Limerick will face Longford in the All Ireland Senior football championship qualifiers, thoughts turn once more to the big ball.
With the Cork defeat still fresh in the memory, a round of Irish Wire Products Senior club championship games is just what the doctor ordered for the Limerick football management. Not only will it serve as a chance to blow off some cobwebs, the chance for new talent to make the county panel has never been better,
Group 1
Friday, Clarina, 8pm
St Patricks v Adare,
Adare lost heavily in round one while the city side were narrowly defeated. Both sides know another defeat may put them in severe trouble. On paper Adare would have to be the stronger unit, however St Patrick’s look like they are gelling together well and may cause an upset.
Prediction: St Pats
Saturday, 8pm, Caherconlish,
Monaleen v Pallasgreen,
Pallas were slow out of the blocks while Monaleen proved why they want to reclaim the throne they surrendered last year. This came as a surprise because the Castletroy men are traditionally slow starters. However, this year they look the real deal and another victory could very well be on the cards.
Prediction: Monaleen
Saturday, 8pm, Rathkeale, Newcastlewest v St Kierans,
Kierans may have won their first game but they face a Newcastlewest side who are determined to finally bring home a title they feel they deserve. Kierans may put up a tough fight, but superior quality should shine through, with the men from the west prevailing.
Prediction: Newcastlewest
Group 2
Friday, 8pm, Newcastlewest,
Ballysteen v Fr Caseys
These two sides stumbled at the first hurdle, and will each be looking to make amends. Ballysteen struggled while the Abbeyfeale men were unfortunate in their valiant defeat to the champions. The confidence that they gained from that performance should give them great momentum going into this encounter. Expect a tight affair, but if I were a betting man, Caseys to prevail.
Prediction: Fr Caseys
Saturday, 8pm, Hospital
Galbally v Ballylanders,
Both sides were victors in round 1, however this will be a different affair. Personally I can only see one winner here. Ballylanders looked very impressive with young forward line proving to be a real handful. Galbally will not go down without a fight, but this may be one stumbling block too far.
Prediction: Ballylanders
Saturday, 8pm, Abbeyfeale
Drom-Broadford v Mountcollins,
Would be very surprised if this does not end up as a one way contest. The champions are too strong, simple as. They were impressive on their first day out while Mountcollins were far from impressive. Could be a very long evening for them.
Prediction: Drom/Broadford
