Limerick football team told: 'Know the whole county is behind you' as D-day arrives

MAYOR John Moran has told the senior footballers: “know the entire county is behind you”, as they bid to make history at Croke Park.

He has praised Jimmy Lee’s charges for inspiring a new generation of Gaelic footballers.

And he has also urged Limerick fans to travel in numbers to GAA headquarters to cheer on the team in their Tailteann Cup final against Kildare.

“This is a momentous occasion —not just for each of you as players, but for your families, your clubs, and every supporter who has followed your journey with pride on the long road to Croke Park,” said Mayor Moran in a direct message to the panel.

He says the footballers, who stand one win away from a first national trophy, outside the division four title, since 1896, have shown “resilience, unity, and an unbreakable spirit that embodies everything great about Limerick.”

“Your dedication and determination have brought you to the hallowed turf of Croke Park, and now you stand just one step away from making history. As you face Kildare, know that the entire county is behind you. The green and white flags are flying high in your honour,” wrote the first citizen.

OPINION: Limerick footballers prepare for their richly-deserved moment in the sun

A huge number of supporters are expected to make the journey to Dublin for the decider, throw in 2.30pm.

In that number will be Cllr Liam Galvin, who captained Abbeyfeale club Fr Casey’s to county senior football championship glory in the year 2000.

He said: “They deserve every bit of respect and support the hurlers did. I’ll be asking that all the Limerick supporters, particularly in west Limerick get up to support them. They are playing a brand of football we all like to watch. These guys really deserve the support - they train every bit as hard as the hurlers.”

It’s Limerick’s third visit to Croke Park this season, having already beaten Wexford in the division four league final, and Wicklow in the Tailteann Cup semi-final - where they came from seven points behind to triumph.

The príomh-chomhairleoir of Limerick City and County Council, Cllr Catherine Slattery added: "What a journey it’s been for this group. They’ve lifted the spirits of the Treaty County, and we’re all behind them as they head to Croke Park. Best of luck to the boys in green and white."

The director general of Limerick City and County Council Dr Pat Daly described as "incredible" the pride the footballers have bought to the county.

"Let’s all get behind them this weekend—Luimneach Abú!”

It’s likely to be shorts-and-T-shirt weather in the capital, with the mercury forecast to rise to 25 degrees Celsius during the game.

For those who cannot make it, it is being broadcast live on RTE Two.

Stay with Limerick Leader sport online and on X (formerly Twitter) for full coverage before, during and after the game. There will be a big match report and reaction on www.limericklive.ie on Saturday afternoon.