Monaleen looking to upset the odds with Limerick SFC semi-final win over champions Newcaste West

COMPETITION holders Newcastle West put their title on the line this afternoon when they meet Monaleen in the second semi-final of the Irish Wire Products Limerick SFC.

The Magpies have been in exceptional form throughout the 2023 championship and are looking to win their third title in as many years.

They face an ever-improving Monaleen outfit that are aiming to land their first SFC crown since their last victory in 2016. Jimmy Lee's Newcastle side will be justifiable favourites heading into the tie after topping their group on maximum points.

Newcastle West were within a whisker of winning the Munster club title in 2022 and have continued that form this year. Iain Corbett remains the star player on the team but young guns Ruadhan O'Connor, Aaron Neville and Emmet Rigter have also fitted in easily this year and last.

Eoin Hurley is also as good a free taker as there is in Limerick, while Darren O'Doherty has also marshalled their defence superbly from full back.

Monaleen, however, have plenty of matchwinners of their own within their starting lineup. Daniel Daly has lit up the championship wearing the number 14 jerseys, while Limerick starlet Darragh Murray continues to impress.

Also add in the Siochru brothers, as well as the vastly experienced Ger Collins, and Monaleen have a formidable forward line that would cause any team plenty of issues.

Newcastle West haven't really had a test since the opening night win over Fr Casey's and Monaleen will be hopeful that the fact that their opponents are without a competitive game since mid September will aid their cause.

That game has a 3pm throw-in at Fitzgerald Park, Kilmallock and will be streamed live by Limerick GAA TV.