MUNSTER SFC FIRST ROUND:Tipperary v Limerick
LIBERATED FROM facing either of Munster’s Big Two until the final, a place in the decider is a realistic ambition for both teams.
Mickey Ned O’Sullivan has gone with an experienced Limerick team and they will probably heed his demand for a big performance. The absence of attacker Stephen Kelly is a blow, but seasoned performers such as John Galvin, Jason Stokes and Stephen Buckley know what it takes.
The Tipperary backroom have been fearless in their promotion of young players and three players make their championship debuts here – Conor Morrissey, Brian Fox and James Tierney.
TIPPERARY:P Fitzgerald, C Morrissey,
R Costigan, P Codd; C Alyward, H Coghlan, B Fox; C Hannigan, B Jones; S Cleary, P Austin, B Mulvihill; J Tierney, B Coen, B Grogan.
LIMERICK:S Kiely; S Gallagher, J McCarthy, M O'Riordan; P Brown, S Lavin, P Ranahan;
J O’Donovan, J Galvin; S Lucey, I Ryan, S Buckley; C Joyce-Power, J Stokes, G Collins.
In the last episode:This will be the 32nd meeting between the counties, the most recent coming just last summer, when Limerick prevailed, 1-8 to 1-5.
You bet:Tipperary are available at 11/10, while Limerick are at 10/11. A draw is 15/2.
On your marks:If Stephen Lucey ever writes a memoir of his sporting life, it will make for interesting reading. The Croom man has been through the mill with the Limerick hurling and football squads. He lines out in the half forwards tomorrow.
Gaining ground:Tom Semple's field may be known as the home of hurling, but Tipperary's footballers are beginning to feel as it can be their place too.
Just the ticket:Admission will be the old fashioned way: pay at the turnstiles. Adults are €20, students and pensioners at €10. All under-16s are admitted free of charge and free flags will be handed out to kids in the stadium.
Crystal gazing:Limerick will be solid at worst and, if things fall into place, potentially vengeful. But Tipp's story is founded on two years of hard work and they could take the big step forward here.
