Preview: Munster SFC - Clare v Limerick

May 23, 2015

Clare play host to Limerick in Ennis this evening ©INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan

When these two sides met in round 6 of the FL Division 3, Limerick scored a 2-10 to 1-5 victory over the Banner County at Newcastlewest.

They both finished on six points, however, in the league table so a close encounter between two evenly matched sides is on the cards.

Clare manager Colm Collins, who is currently serving a 12-week suspension, has included former Dublin footballer Pat Burke in his starting 15.

The Kilmacud Crokes player is named in a full-forward line that also includes another championship debutant in Eoin Cleary and 2013 All-Ireland hurling winner Podge Collins.

As for Limerick, Robert Browne, Cillian Fahy, Stephen Cahill and Peter Nash will make their first championship starts.

The Treaty County's talisman Ian Ryan registered eight points on his return to the county jersey in the 2-13 to 2-11 round 7 victory over Louth in Drogheda and his presence could swing the tie in his side's favour.

"We struggled in the League campaign from frees and scores in general," Limerick manager John Brudair pointed out.

"Since he's come back he just gives the team a bit of stability up there, to know that we have someone who consistently performs at that level and can get you scores, which is crucial."

Cork await the winners in the semi-final on June 14th.

Verdict - Limerick.

Clare team: Joe Hayes; Ciaran Russell, Kevin Hartnett, Martin McMahon; Shane Hickey, Gordon Kelly, Dean Ryan; Cathal O'Connor, Gary Brennan; Shane Brennan, Jamie Malone, Sean Collins; Eoin Cleary, Podge Collins, Pat Burke. 

Limerick team: Brian Scanlon, Sean O'Dea, Johnny McCarthy, Robert Browne, Iain Corbett, Cillian Fahy, Stephen Cahill, Thomas Lee, Gearoid Hegarty, John Riordan, Pa Ranahan, Darragh Tracey, Peter Nash, Seanie Buckley, Ian Ryan.

Match details: Saturday, Cusack Park, Ennis, 7pm.

Referee: Derek O'Mahoney.

Odds: Clare 8/13, Draw 15/2, Limerick 7/4.


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