O’Sullivan ready to name final team

MICKEY Ned O’Sullivan will announce his Limerick senior football team for Sunday’s Munster final against Cork after training this evening in the Gaelic Grounds.
En route to the decider Limerick have selected unchanged teams in the championship wins over Tipperary and Clare, but O’Sullivan and selectors (Joe Redington and Paddy Ivess) must now decide if they are to start Stephen Kelly.
The speedy wing-forward missed the championship campaign to date with a broken bone in his hand, but the Newcastle West man has played a full part in training for the last two weeks.
Another pushing for inclusion is Na Piarsaigh’s Eoin Hogan.


The wing-forward impressed when introduced at half time in the semi-final win over Clare in Cusack Park.
However, Hogan broke his metatarsal bone earlier in the championship and his training has been curtailed in the lead-up to the final.
“At the moment, yes, we will be picking from a full panel. Everything is grand, there are always a few niggling injuries, but nothing serious,” confirmed Limerick manager Mickey Ned O’Sullivan.
“Everyone is showing up well in training because they all know that it is a great opportunity to play in a Munster final,” said O’Sullivan.
“We are in no doubt that we are playing a Cork team that are some people’s favourites to win the All-Ireland,” said the Kenmare man.
“They showed up very well against Kerry.”
He added: “At the end of the day this final is between a Division Four team against a Division One team”.
Ahead of Sunday’s final, the bookies have made Cork the hottest of favourites. Conor Counihan’s men are available at just 1/12 with Boylesports while Limerick are listed at 6/1.
“We know that we are the underdogs and we don’t mind, but I always say that football is played on the pitch.”
Wing-back John Miskella remains Cork’s main injury doubt, though manager Conor Counihan is hopeful that he can start.
The defending Munster champions, Cork are bidding for their 36th title and their fourth this decade while Limerick are seeking only their second ever title and their first since 1896.
Remarkably Cork and Limerick haven’t met in the Munster football final since 1901 and have only met twice ever in the decider.
Cork beat Limerick in the 2006, 2007 and 2008 Munster championships leaving Limerick seeking their first win over the Rebels since the famous win of 2003.
Tickets for Sunday’s provincial final are available from the clubs throughout the county and are also available to purchase from all Ticketmaster outlets.
A public sale of tickets will take place on Wednesday night in the Gaelic Grounds between 5-8pm.
Tickets will cost €35 for adults to the uncovered stand, €30 for adults to the covered stand and €20 to the terrace. Juveniles can purchase tickets for €5 to either of the stands.
Student terrace tickets are available through the participating county boards for €15.
Senior Citizens can obtain a refund of €10 on full-priced stand tickets at designated turnstiles on production of valid ID prior to entering the stadium.
Sunday’s final has a 2pm start in Pairc Ui Chaoimh and will be televised live on TV3. The curtain-raiser will be the Munster minor football final at 12 noon which involves Tipperary and Kerry.
Meanwhile Pat Tobin has departed the Limerick senior hurling panel in advance of Limerick’s All-Ireland hurling qualifier against Wexford on Saturday week. The Murroe-Boher attacker informed Justin McCarthy of his decision after last weekend’s replay loss to Waterford.
The Tobin departure comes on the back of another loss for the county hurling side - against Offaly in a challenge game on Saturday.

Jerome O’Connell