CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS: Ian O'Riordan looks at the factors behind the unlikely progress of Limerick's Monaleen to the Munster club football decider

Monaleen's  progression to the Munster club football final has defied prediction, but it hasn't been without its planning. A year ago, the city club decided on a more intensive approach to the county championship, and already that's been rewarded with their first Limerick title in 24 years - and only their third title ever.

Sunday's contest with Nemo Rangers in Killarney now marks their first appearance in the provincial final. The Cork champions are seeking their third Munster title in succession, and once again Monaleen will try to upset the odds.

That, however, has been the story of their season.

In the Limerick final they met a fancied Adare side seeking a county football-hurling double. They forced that game to a replay, and then won by a point.

On route to the Munster final they edged past Waterford champions Stradbally, and then came from behind in the closing minutes to beat Clonmel Commercials.

Monaleen secretary Pat Quinn is not in the least bit surprised by the club's success this season. "There are several reasons why things have come together for us this year," he explains.

"We knew for the last few years that we hadn't performed in the championship. So we started the season with a whole new approach, and that meant changing around the management team.

"Ger Lawlor was appointed team coach, along with Philip O'Dell, the current Limerick minor football manager. Barry Coffey and Tom Crosse were there from last year, so that created a good mix of new and old. We're at the stage now where we're all going in the same direction, and everyone wants to win."

The panel of players was also expanded, with youth given priority. Currently there are 35 training with the team, and 26 different players have been used in the championship to date.

Nine of that panel are aged under 22, including four of the current Limerick county minors and two from the under-21 team. There are also two senior panel members in the squad, but the oldest player on the team is 26-year-old full back John Cormican.

With such a youthful spread it's not surprising that fear (of Nemo) is not a factor. "We know we're going into the lion's den," says Quinn, "and that Colin Corkery has the ability to win any match practically on his own. But the club is going in there with no inhibitions. It's our ambition to give them as good a match as we can. We have the utmost respect for Nemo, but we're not afraid of them."

Quinn says the broader success of Limerick football in recent years has been a factor in Monaleen's run. The big breakthrough of three years ago, when the Limerick under-21 team won the county's first ever Munster title, has benefited all clubs in the county.

"Up to that victory the younger players in the county would always have been more encouraged to play hurling," he explains. "Winning that Munster title suddenly created a future for football in the county. And now I'd say the two codes are on an even keel in terms of younger participation."

Monaleen have also benefited from some crossover from other sports. Eoin Keating, who plays soccer with Limerick FC, has been a revelation at full forward, and there has also been a major input from the O'Boyle twins, Ciarán and Cillian, who also play rugby with Garryowen.