Fit-again Stokes has Kearns to thank for keeping faith

JASON Stokes admits he owes Liam Kearns a favour or two.

He attributes his personal development as a footballer to the Kerryman's influence while in charge of his club team Drom-Broadford and of course for his efforts in steering Limerick to a place in Sunday's Bank of Ireland Munster SFC final.

Then there is the matter of his faith in the 22-year-old. Stokes didn't realise it at the time, but he was close to being ruled out for the entire season after suffering a knee injury late in the first half of the opening round against Cork in Pairc Uí Chaoimh.