VICTORY over Kildare in Sunday’s National Football League fixture at the TUS Gaelic Grounds (throw-in 3.45pm) would keep Limerick in the chase for survival in Division Two.
What seemed most improbable just a fortnight ago, after heavy losses to Derry, Dublin, Louth, and Cork, became a possibility with a subsequent draw at home to Meath.
That meaningful first point of the campaign means that if Limerick achieve wins against both Kildare and Clare (Cusack Park, Ennis, on Sunday week), a Houdini-style escape from relegation will have been achieved by newly-installed manager Mark Fitzgerald.
If this were to happen, Kildare and Clare would both drop a division and compete in the lower-tier Tailteann Cup come championship-time, while Limerick would be amongst the select bunch in contention for the Sam Maguire Cup.
Up first, however, is a visit from Glenn Ryan’s Kildare, a side still smarting from an unexpected defeat to Louth in Ardee a fortnight ago.
The Lilies have injury concerns over Jimmy Hyland and Kevin Feely, but can call upon plenty of other talent the likes of Kevin Flynn, Jack Sargeant, Ben McCormack, Neil Flynn, Paddy Woodgate, and Darragh Kirwan.
Iain Corbett remains an injury worry for Limerick, who will field their strongest XV, one which will obviously include pillars like Seán O’Dea, Brian Fanning, Colm McSweeney, Cathal Downes, Cillian Fahy, James Naughton, Cian Sheehan, Brian Donovan, and Adrian Enright.
Limerick hurlers play Wexford in the NHL as curtain-raiser for the bout at 1.45pm.
County Chairman Seamus McNamara is encouraging home followers to come out and show their support for both teams.
“Double-headers at this level are rare, so I would encourage our loyal and passionate supporters to come out and help both teams to two wins on Sunday,” said McNamara, a member of the Fr Casey’s (Abbeyfeale) club.
