'Limerick have a pep in their step' - former Limerick footballer Diarmuid Carroll

Former Limerick defender Diarmuid Carroll is a titanic tussle tomorrow afternoon when Limerick take on Kildare in the Tailteann Cup final. 

READ MORE: Former Kildare All-Star and Limerick coach expects a high-scoring affair in Tailteann decider

O'Carroll admits that the 'Lilywhites' were undoubtedly one of the pre-tournament favourites but says Limerick must continue to ride the wave that they have been on this year, taking that momentum into tomorrow's clash.

"Kildare are one of the pre-tournament favourites and everyone was maybe looking at themselves and potentially a Westmeath as a final pairing but Limerick have shown good organisation and they have grown throughout the tournament," he said.

"Limerick are still on that upward trajectory and I don't know are Kildare on that same path. There's an awful lot of pressure on them and that will build in Kildare because it's mainly a footballing county. They want success so there will be a degree of pressure there, it's just a case of will Limerick be able to capitalise on that," he added. 

Carroll says that the three-week break Limerick have had since their semi-final triumph over Oisín McConville's Wicklow, could prove pivotal.

"If they can get the few injury concerns sorted out that would be brilliant, the three week break will benefit them on that front. Going week on week in the Tailteann, much like the league, you have a very narrow window to try and fix things because you're no sooner coming out of a game than going into the next one," he said. 

"They have had a three week break now to go into the Kildare game with a bit of a pep in their step to try and tackle that challenge that they face in Kildare.

"There's not a lot of expectancy there, outside of the group themselves and the hardcore Limerick support, there's not a lot of people who will be giving Limerick a chance and that's not the worst way to be going into a game," the former wing-back said.

In terms of a prediction, Carroll is confident that Jimmy Lee's side will perform on the day. O'Carroll was involved as a coach for Laois last year, a role which saw him get up close and personal with the Shannonsiders on more than one occasion.

I'd be confident of a performance. Having been involved in the Laois set-up this year, we played Limerick twice in challenge matches and they were very well organised," he said.

"We also played Kildare in the league and they're a big physical outfit but there's no team without their weaknesses and if Limerick can get out there and get organised and play to their strengths, keep the game in a structured manner, they have a chance.

"If the game opens up, Kildare have the tools to hurt you. If Limerick's organisation is good and they get bodies back the pitch, I think they're capable of putting pressure on Kildare and then it's a case of what that that throw up for you. I'd be hopeful of Limerick staying with them throughout and then it's anyone's game coming down the stretch," Carroll concluded.