Dual weekend for Limerick GAA

THE CROSS carried by dual counties, of which they are few, is that weekends are split for their fans. Limerick fans this weekend once more have to put miles on the clock to support both of their county teams.
First up, the hurlers take on Offaly at the Gaelic Grounds on Saturday night at 7pm. TJ Ryan’s men are still very much in the hunt for the Division 1B title after and outstanding fightback against Wexford last weekend.
Waterford and Limerick (each with five from six points) are leading the way in the drive for promotion, with Wexford tucked in just behind them on four points. Limerick will get a chance to move to the top of the table when they host Offaly, while Waterford host Antrim, who have yet to take a point, on Sunday. Limerick and Offaly drew in last year’s Allianz League.
In other games in Division 1B, Laois host Wexford, who beat Seamus Plunkett’s men by 2-21 to 1-18 in last year’s Allianz League.
The win last weekend for Limerick keeps them on track for top spot as they know Wexford face Waterford in the last round. Offaly could prove tricky for Limerick, but every single point, both league points and over the bar scores could prove crucial as Limerick and Waterford might yet be separated at the summit on scoring difference.
In football, Limerick make the trip to Fermanagh on Sunday. Throw in time at Brewster Park is at 2pm.
Armagh and Fermanagh (each with even of a possible eight points) have created some daylight between them and their promotion pursuers. They lead Tipperary, Clare and Louth by three points after drawing their top of the table clash last Sunday.
Fermanagh will be at home to Limerick, who are in the relegation zone after losing three of four games. Fermanagh beat Limerick by nine points in the corresponding fixture last year, which will be a worry for John Brudair’s men.
In other games in Division 3, Armagh will be away to Clare in what is a vital game for the Bannermen as defeat would all but end their promotion ambitions. Louth and Tipperary are both on four points, making their clash in Drogheda very important in terms of staying in the promotion hunt. Sligo host Wexford after both won for the first time this season last Sunday.