Moran wary of ‘fast moving’ Limerick

DERRY manager Mickey Moran accepts that the meeting with Limerick in the fourth round of the Bank of Ireland football qualifiers in Dr. Hyde Park on Saturday represents something of a trip into the unknown.

Moran was coach to the team which beat Cork in the 1993 All-Ireland final and in recent years had spells with Sligo and Donegal before he took over his native county for the second time.

“I had the feeling that this was Limerick’s year in Munster and that they had a good chance of beating Kerry in the replay, but you couldn’t call which team would be going into the draw on Sunday evening - especially after the first game,’’ he said. “Kerry did just about enough in the second game to beat them, but they are a tough proposition.’’

His analysis of Limerick is one that they are “physically very strong” and “a very fast-moving team”.

“They are going to be a tough nut to crack because Kerry found it awful tough against them in the two games. We have to up our workrate from the Wexford game if we are to be in touch.’’

While Limerick will be playing for the third consecutive weekend, Derry did have a week’s break after their second round game against Cavan before they took on Wexford last Saturday.

However, he doesn’t believe that will count for anything.

“The way training and preparation is at the minute, everything is meticulous and everything is professional. Liam Kearns will have his own procedures for rehabilitation and recovery.

“Everything is planned to a tee. They will probably have gone to the pool after the game. They won’t need any actual physical training this week. Really, it’s only a matter of getting the recovery right.’’

Last season, Derry came close to shocking Tyrone in Ulster, but after drawing with them they were well beaten in the replay. The counties met again this year, but the story was different. But there were mitigating circumstances he points out.

“Seven of the fellows who started last Saturday are new to inter-county football, it’s their first year. We’ve slowly got to know the fellows and know their best positions.

“Often it needs a victory to bring a team on and we did the business down in Wicklow, which was a tough one for us after the Tyrone game, and especially because they had beaten us in the League.

“We did it the hard way against Cavan in extra-time and last Saturday we had a tough game with Wexford - except we had the game won at half-time with the scores we got with a strong breeze. We have a lot to work on but we are pleased with the progress,’’ he said.

As far as his own team’s preparations are concerned, Moran stresses the importance of taking things easy this week. They came together on Monday evening for a low-key session and again last night.

After a kick-around and a team meeting tomorrow, that will be it. “At this stage, you’re not going to improve your fitness,” he said.

In terms of planning their approach, Moran said the management are limited by their lack of knowledge of the Limerick players, apart from what they have seen on television. But, that really won’t be a hindrance.

“You can plan a little, but at the end of the day you have to have confidence in your own ability. And make sure your team performs. You can concentrate too much on the opposition at times.’’