Horan hit with defensive retirements

LIMERICK football manager Maurice Horan is facing a defensive crisis ahead of the 2012 season following the retirement of two key defenders.

Former captain Tommy Stack and Shane Gallagher have both instructed Horan of their plans not to play inter-county in 2012.

Stack only came out of retirement last summer, after Limerick suffered a heavy defeat to Kerry in the Munster championship, and starred as the Shannonsiders defeated Waterford, Offaly and Wexford to reach Croke Park for the first time in the SFC.

Gallagher has been a Limerick regular since making his debut under Mickey Ned O’Sullivan in 2006.

Their announcements come on the back of confirmation that former dual star Mark O’Riordan is concentrating on hurling with John Allen’s senior panel next season.

Another three players; Thomas Lee, Eoin Hogan and Michael Sheehan (studying abroad), have been forced to emigrate leaving Horan down six players.

Limerick will have little time to prepare for competitive fare after Christmas, with a McGrath Cup clash against recent Munster club finalists UCC scheduled for January 15.