WEXFORD Park, or Innovate Wexford Park, as it is now known, will play host to a National League Double header this Sunday.
At 12.45pm, the Limerick hurlers will take on Wexford in round three of the hurling league.
TJ Ryan’s men, with one win and one draw from their opening two clashes, know that a win is a must on Sunday against the undefeated Wexford side, seeing as only one team will be promoted at season’s end to 1A.
Limerick are expected to welcome back David Breen, Seanie Tobin and Declan Hannon to the starting fifteen, with Breen expected to make his 2015 competitive debut. Both Hannon and Tobin were used against Antrim in Ballycastle.
The Kilmallock players, Paudie O’Brien, Barry Hennessy, Gavin O’Mahony and Graeme Mulcahy will not be available again this weekend as they prepare for Tuesday week’s All Ireland club final clash with Ballyhale Shamrocks in Croke Park.
Following the hurlers must win clash, the Limerick footballers themselves face a season defining clash against Wexford at 2.30pm.
Limerick, win two points from three games, face winless Wexford in what is already a relegation four pointer.
Limerick footballer manager John Brudair is expected to be able to call upon Seán O’Dea and Stephen Cahill this week, who should help in shoring up a stuggling defence.
Limerick have struggled in their last two outings against Tipperary and Armagh, but their manager feels that even in defeat, those games will prove to be valuable in terms of experience.
“We have a lot of new lads on the panel this season. We also have a few lads coming back in, week on week. We know that this weekend is a must win game. Wexford will be up for it, with a huge home support. I know that, because of the two games, we will have great support too, and a good start to the game will be vital for us.
“The experience gained from playing two of the top teams in the last few weeks will be invaluable to us. You could see the passion and pride that 25 plus players had playing for Armagh and we know we need to build that in Limerick too. A win away to Wexford would be just the start,” Brudair explained.
The Limerick hurlers next home game will be against Offaly on March 14, while the footballers will travel to face Fermanagh on March 15.
