Limerick issue timely warning

CORK footballers got a timely warning at the weekend of the potential of Limerick ahead of next Sunday’s Munster SFC clash with the Shannonsiders at Pairc Uí Chaoimh.

On Limerick’s tremendous battle with Westmeath in Sunday’s Division Two NFL final, Cork selector Colm Murphy said: “They are no bad outfit. There will be no complacency among our lads I can assure you. Only a little bit of inexperience cost them that league final and if they can learn from that defeat, they will make it very difficult for us next Sunday.

“I was hugely impressed by their forwards, particularly their two wing men. They were very lively and prepared to take on the defence at every opportunity. That’s a good sign of a confident player.

“Limerick were good in defence and midfield also. It’s going to be a difficult game for us, but we have prepared well and have no injury worries after the weekend hurling games.

“We’ll have to be on our guard. We weren’t too impressive against Tyrone in our last league game, but the selectors were very pleased with the display against Galway last Saturday.

“The result didn’t really matter. What was far more important for us as selectors was the effort of the players. We have 20-odd looking for 15 places and there are going to be a number of them very disappointed when we sit down to pick the team.”

Selecting the side isn’t going to be easy. Anthony Lynch is back from injury and should be at left corner back. That would mean no place for Sean O’Brien, but if the selectors opt for big-game experience and safety first, he should be handed the number two jersey and clubmate Niall Geary the full-back position in front of goalkeeper Kevin O’Dwyer.

The excellent form of Derek Kavanagh in those two challenge games should see him partner Nicholas Murphy at midfield, releasing Graham Canty for centre-back with Eoin Sexton on his right and Martin Cronin on his left for a very solid and experienced line of defence. In attack the selectors have a number of options now Fionan Murray is back in business. A place will be found for him as well as Brendan Ger O’Sullivan, Alan Cronin, Colin Corkery and Miceal Ó Croinín, but choosing the sixth forward won’t be easy.

If the selectors want to match Limerick physically there may be a case made for the inclusion of Bernie Collins on the 40, with Brendan Ger O’Sullivan and Alan Cronin at right and left half forward respectively. I would opt for a half forward line of Maurice McCarthy, Brenden Ger and Alan Cronin. The full forward line should pick itself with Ó Croinín, Corkery and Murray all in, from right to left.

Limerick will be able to field a full strength team with all their players coming through Sunday’s final unscathed. And there is a distinct possibility dual player Stephen Lucey will be in the frame. Lucey, who missed out on the league decider because of a broken finger, was warmed up a few times on Sunday but held in reserve.

Westmeath also escaped injury and are almost certain to announce an unchanged side for their opening game in the Leinster championship against Carlow on Sunday.

Louth’s sterling left half-back John Neary will miss his side’s opening game in the Leinster championship against Wicklow on Sunday. The unfortunate Neary broke his ankle in a recent club game and will be sidelined for up to eight weeks.

All-Ireland champions Armagh and first round Ulster championship opponents Monaghan have no injury worries ahead of their clash at Clones on Sunday, but Waterford will be without right half-back Eoin Murphy for the first defence of their Munster SHC tie against Kerry on Sunday. The Shamrocks player fractured his jaw in the league game against Derry.

Both Eoin McGrath and Brian Flannery are carrying ankle injuries but are expected to be named in the Waterford team tonight.

CORK (probable): K O’Dwyer; S O’Brien, N Geary, A Lynch; E Sexton, G Canty, M Cronin; N Murphy, D Kavanagh; M McCarthy, B G O’Sullivan, A Cronin; M Ó Croinín, C Corkery, F Murray.