Limerick footballers chase McGrath Cup final spot

LIMERICK and Tipperary continue their pre-season preparations when they meet in the McGrath Cup with a spot in the final on offer.

Ray Dempsey’s side got off to a perfect start with a comprehensive victory over Waterford in his first game in charge.

Tipperary followed suit with a win over the Deise, meaning that Sunday’s clash will see a victory ensure a McGrath Cup Final place.

The new Limerick manager was impressed with most of what he saw in the Waterford victory but was keen to stress that plenty of work is needed as the Shannonsiders prepare for their opening Allianz Football League Division 2 clash with Derry:

"I will work with anyone that wants to represent Limerick in a good light,” Dempsey told the assembled media after the game.

"If they are willing to put in the shift and stuff you know. It might take longer for some lads to get up to speed. There were a lot of lads with experience and they're leading the way.

"Yeah, I'm happy enough. Fitness levels probably from the trialists coming in were low and you know we have to work a fair bit but i'm happy enough with some of the attitudes of the trialists here, there's no doubt about it."

The Tipperary fixture will be a real test for Limerick given that there has been very little between the sides in recent years.

In last season’s Munster Senior Football Championship, Limerick earned a 2-10 to 0-10 victory over David Power’s side, but in 2020 it was the Premier that cane out on top after extra-time in a classic.

Dempsey handed Kildimo-Pallaskenry clubman Cathal Downes his debut in the win over Waterford and he chipped in with two goals.

Dromcollogher-Broadford’s Jack Ryan, Mungret St Paul’s Brian Barry, Monaleen’s Eoin O’Shea and Newcastle West’s Ruadhan O’Connor were also given their first taste of inter-county action from the bench.

The new Limerick boss also paid credit to the togetherness of the Limerick panel that he has inherited ahead of the Tipperary fixture:

"I just think the bond is there among them and trying to intertwine the trialists and make them feel important as well is a challenge but a lot of lads outside the panel from last year maybe pushing to get inside the panel."

Limerick versus Tipperary in the McGrath Cup has a 2pm start on Sunday in Templetuohy.