Antrim v Limerick
Antrim’s fighting qualities saw them edge out Laois at Casement last weekend, while Limerick could only draw against Offaly.
The Loughgiel contingent of Chris O’Connell, Barney McAuley, Joey Scullion, DD Quinn and Eddie McCloskey return to the squad, with the latter two starting in goals and No 12 respectively.
A home victory can’t be ruled out, but Limerick need to be winning these type of games if they are to be serious threat in the months ahead.
The pressure will be on Limerick to prevail, so as to confirm the pundits’ view that themselves and Clare would be standard bearers in this section.
The Banner will head the table, but John Allen’s men will have to fight for second place, and if Offaly beat Clare in Tullamore, the Treaty will have to chalk up a substantial winning margin against the Saffrons.
An air of disappointment enveloped the Gaelic Grounds last Saturday as Limerick drew a match they should have won against Offaly. They certainly had enough chances in the second half to put the game to bed.
A contentious penalty late on, converted by Shane Dooley earned the midlanders a point, and prompted their manager Ollie Baker to state that a share of the spoils wasn’t perhaps what they deserved.
Overall, Limerick’s performance last Saturday was patchy and their defence was breached quite easily on more than one occasion.
Sub Sean Tobin did shine and executed a fine goal, but the Shannonsiders were not clinical enough and could now face a lengthy period before their championship opener against Tipperary on 27 May,
Antrim’s fighting qualities saw them edge out Laois at Casement last weekend. A repeat performance won’t be enough to claim the points here.
Verdict: Limerick
