Askeaton-Ballysteen-Kilcornan eye provincial glory in Páirc Uí Chaoimh

ASKEATON-Ballysteen-Kilcornan's reward for their Limerick Intermediate triumph a fortnight ago is a trip to the home of Cork football to face the Rebel County's intermediate champions.

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Declan Ryan's side were full value for their triumph in Sean Finn Park when they ran out eight-point winners over west Limerick rivals St Senan's.

ABK Desmond's had to contend with a five-day turn arround following their semi-final win over Galbally. Inspired displays from the likes of Limerick inter-county star Danny Neville, Patrick Moran, Joey Rushe and Padraic Murphy ensured ABK's season would continue into the provincial campaign.

The west Limerick side are sure to face a stern test when they face Cork's Aghabullogue in the Munster semi-final on Sunday at 1pm.

Aghabullogue earned their place in the Munster Championship after coming through a taxing Cork Premier Intermediate Championship which culminated in an epic final showdown against Uibh Laoire in Páirc Uí Chaoimh a fortnight ago.

The west Cork outfit, like their Limerick opponents this Sunday had to overcome their neighbours in the county decider, defeating Uibh Laoire. Ray Keane's side eked out a one-point win thanks to a late Matthew Bradley free, winning on a scoreline of 2-12 to 2-11.

Aghabullogue already have some provincial experience under their belt with a quarter-final victory over Thurles Sarsfields. The Cork men defeated their Tipperary counterparts on a scoreline of 0-20 to 0-15.

The winner of this Sunday's clash will face either An Ghaeltacht of Kerry or Corofin of Clare in the Munster final.

ABK Desmond's midfield stalwart Shane Gallagher, who is also chairman of the amalgamated west Limerick team, admits his side don't know a lot about their opponents on Sunday but is sure they are to face a tough test.

"We don't know a huge amount about them other than the fact that they will be a really tough team, coming off an intermediate win in Cork, they're sure to be a quality side.

"It'll be a tough challenge, we know that's what will face us, it'll be a nice experience for everyone to play at Páirc Uí Chaoimh but we're certainly not going down to make up the numbers. We'll be putting our best foot forward and looking to come out with the win," Gallagher said.

The former Limerick inter-county player says that there is a real buzz in the camp heading into Sunday.

"It's been fantastic, there's been a great buzz around the place, for myself to look back and see how the younger lads are enjoying it, it's great to see."