Limerick braced for backlash from Cork in Thurles

Limerick football manager John Brudair has placed his football side on high alert for a Cork backlash in Thurles tomorrow

“Cork very rarely lose to one of the so-called weaker counties in Munster so we will be expecting a backlash,” warned Brudair ahead of the All Ireland SFC Qualifier.

While Cork have had a month to digest their shock loss to Tipperary in the provincial championship, Limerick made a welcome return to winning ways with a win over Antrim two weeks ago in round one.

Brudair added: ”We know Cork and we know what way they will hope to play but we have to focus on ourselves. It is going to be a massive task but one we are ready for and looking forward to.”

The win in Belfast may have brought an end to a 15-month wait for victory but Limerick are 14/1 outsiders to advance this weekend.

”They are in great form after the win – a win always help. To be fair they were in great form for the four or five weeks before the Clare game but since then a few good challenge games were good and then of course nothing beats a championship win,” said Brudair of his panel, which saw Cian Sheehan and Danny Neville opt for the US after the Munster SFC exit, on top of other early season departures.

Two early goals set Limerick up for their win over Antrim and Brudair insists another good start is vital.

”The early scores give confidence. It gives confidence to the next guy that is taking a shot. Against Clare (in the Munster championship) we missed the early scores and then everyone is under pressure. It was the same when Tipperary beat Cork, they got early scores and it gave them confidence.”