TWO MEMBERS OF Limerick’s 2013 Munster title winning team will definitely be absent when they make their 2015 championship bow against Clare on Sunday week.
Goalkeeper Nickie Quaid and attacker David Breen started in that final win over Cork two years ago but respective collarbone and foot injuries mean they will be sidelined for the clash with the Banner.
“Two experienced players at this level, both guys would have been playing,” remarked manager TJ Ryan last night.
“They’ll definitely miss the game, no doubt about that. I’m not sure of the exact return date for either. The other side is you have to get on with it. It’s an opportunity for someone else to stake a claim and make a name for themselves.”
LIT’s Fitzgibbon Cup goalkeeper Aaron Murphy and All-Ireland club finalists Kilmallock netminder Barry Hennessy are both vying to replace Quaid.
“Experience in that particular area would be very important,” admitted Ryan.
“Whichever one of the guys plays there, I’d have confidence in both of them. Both of them have played at a very high level.
“Aaron (Murphy) in the Fitzgibbon Cup and in fairness to Barry (Hennessy) with Kilmallock, he’d a very good season there. There’s still positives there. We feel we’re well covered.”
But in better news for Limerick, injury concerns over Seamus Hickey, Donal O’Grady, Shane Dowling and Kevin Downes have all cleared up. All are available for selection and Downes return is a particular boost as he missed their entire league campaign.
“(It’s) all (a) clean bill of health,” revealed Ryan. “I can tell you at this stage that we don’t have any other worries.”
