Five talking points ahead of round four of Limerick Senior Football Championship

ROUND four of the Limerick Senior Football Championship gets underway on Thursday. Clubs will battle it out to book their place into the knockout stages of the Championship. 

1. Kildimo Pallaskenry need a win to keep their Championship hopes alive

After two heavy defeats in the their last two games, Kildimo Pallaskenry need a win on Thursday night to keep their hopes of alive in reaching the SFC quarter-finals. A draw or defeat against Fr Casey's will rule Kildimo Pallaskenry out of reaching the knockout stages. It certaintly feels like a do or die clash for the City club. 

2. Galtee Gaels and Newcastlewest meet in top of the table clash 

Galtee Gaels have made an impressive start to group two of the SFC winning their first three games. The reigning county champions Newcastlewest are just behind them in second place on five points after their draw with Oola last weekend. Both sides remain unbeaten and a win for either side will put them in a strong position to advance directly into the semi-finals. 

3. Ballysteen and Monaleen need a win to avoid relegation 

Ballysteen and Monaleen need to turn their fortunes around in the next two rounds if they are to avoid the relegation play-off. Ballysteen have suffered three defeats in group two, while Monaleen are yet to win a game in group one. It has been a surprise that Monaleen have struggled given that the Castletroy club have reached the last four SFC semi-finals in the last five years. 

4. A win for Mungret St Paul's gurantees their place into the semi-finals

Mungret St Paul's have maintained their 100% record in group one of the SFC. Last year's Intermediate champions face Ballylanders this Thursday and a win for the City side will see them advance directly into the semi-finals of the SFC. 

5. Adare take on St Kieran's in group one 

Adare and St Kieran's meet in group one. It has been a mixed campaign for both clubs. Adare and St Kieran's are level on four points in second and third place. St Kieran's are just ahead of their opponents on scoring difference. A win for either club will confirm their place into the knockout stages of the SFC.