Limerick to face off against Cork in McGrath Cup Final

Brian Fanning has become a key member of the Limerick senior football team

placeholder image — Brian Fanning has become a key member of the Limerick senior football team

LIMERICK’S senior footballers travel to Mallow this Friday evening when they take on Cork in the McGrath Cup final. Ray Dempsey’s charges have reached the pre-season decider after a big win over Waterford and a draw with Tipperary last Saturday.

The new Limerick manager has used the competition to blood a few new players, but has opted in the main to stick with the tried and trusted ahead of the beginning of their Allianz National League campaign.

The Dempsey era started with a 4-14 to 0-9 win over Waterford in Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale. Two goals from Cathal Downes and one each from Adrian Enright and Killian Ryan helped Limerick on their way.

It was a different story for Limerick against Tipperary in Fethard last time out when a Colm McSweeney score deep into injury time secured a draw and a spot in the McGrath Cup Final.

That game finished 1-13 to 2-10 with Na Piarsaigh defender Gordon Browne netting the goal for Limerick. Browne also added a point to his goal, while Limerick keeper Donal O’Sullivan sent over three long range frees.

Limerick face a Cork side that are rebuilding under John Cleary but have been hit this week by the exit of selector Ray Keane. This is Limerick’s final game before they begin their Allianz Football League Division 2 season away to Derry in Owenbeg on January 28.

Limerick's meeting with Cork in Mallow has a 7:30pm throw-in at Mallow and is live on TG4’s YouTube channel.