Limerick's Josh Ryan anticipates tough test from Antrim in Tailteann Cup clash

LIMERICK senior football goalkeeper Josh Ryan is expecting a big challenge from Antrim in round two of the Tailteann Cup. The Shannonsiders make the trip to Corrigan Park, Belfast on Saturday evening at 4:30pm. Jimmy Lee's side will look to make it two wins from two.

“We're looking forward to the challenge ahead, it's all part of it, playing against these good teams. They're a team that are looking to be in Sam Maguire as well so it's a real challenge for ourselves, but we are looking forward to it,” Josh Ryan said.

After reaching the last two quarter-finals of the Tailteann Cup, Ryan is hopeful that Limerick can push on this year in the competition.

“I think we have to be a bit realistic as well, we're after getting promoted to Division 3. That was the phase that we were looking to build towards. We're happy enough to be in the Tailteann Cup, it's about going one step further than we did last year and hopefully getting back to Croke Park again.”

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Limerick opened their Tailteann Cup campaign with a seven-point victory over London last weekend. Meanwhile, Westmeath had too much for Antrim in the other game in Group Three of the Tailteann Cup at the weekend.

“We're happy enough to get a result, it's a good run out and a good start to the campaign. We've two or three training sessions ahead of Antrim and we are looking forward to the challenge ahead,” added Ryan.

After 28 minutes, Limerick led 0-14 to 0-5 and looked to be in control. However, London hit 1-4 on the trot to bring themselves right back into the game at the break.

“We just made a few simple errors, we got a small bit complacent with the nine point lead we got at one stage. These are things to work on.”

The Oola man was happy with the way his side finished the game. Limerick outscored their opponents 0-11 to 0-6 in the second half.

“A win is a win, you'll take a win all day. That's what we said we would do here when we came here.”

Depth is something which he feels Limerick are developing this year.

“There's places up for grabs, fellas are chomping at the bit every night in training. That's what you want in a team, you want it to be competitive.”

Jason Hassett, Darren O'Doherty, Tadhg O'Siochru, Darragh Murray and Rory O'Brien were among those to impress on Saturday. Cormac Woulfe, Adam Shanagher and Darragh O'Siochru missed out through injury.