LISTEN: John Kiely – “I’m expecting a really strong challenge from Dublin on Saturday night “

After a break from League action last weekend, Limerick will be desperate to continue in winning ways as they face Dublin in the Gaelic Grounds this Saturday night.

After comprehensive wins over Laois and Offaly in the opening two rounds, Limerick look to be headed for a final day showdown with Galway to see who will return to Division 1A, something Limerick have been trying to achieve since 2011. Limerick face back to back away trips against Antrim and Galway in the next two weeks and know victories in their final three games will ensure promotion.

Manager John Kiely will not be taking anything for granted against Dublin and is expecting a tough game on Saturday night.

“The results in Division 1B can be misleading at times. Teams are often training very hard heading into ‘big games’ and I think maybe Dublin may have been working very hard at the time of the Offaly game and maybe took a bit of a gamble.”

“The interpretation could be that Dublin mightn’t be going great at the moment but I know for a fact that they gave been working very hard and they have targeting this game against Limerick from the outset of their season.”

“I’m expecting a really strong challenge from Dublin on Saturday night and the results to date in the group are irrelevant really when it comes to Saturday night.”

John Kiely is delighted to have Declan Hannon return to the side as the Adare man is named at centre back after recovering from a hamstring injury. He slots in at centre back with Dan Morrissey moving to half back.Up front David Reidy and Barry Murphy come in for Barry O’Connell and Darragh O’Donovan. Speaking about his captains return Kiely said,

“Yeah a couple of changes for the weekend. Declan is back fit again and has played an in house game for us and had a number of training sessions with us. He’s moving well and slots back into 6.”

However, the aforrmentioned O’Donovan is set to miss the remainder of the league after suffering a broken finger. Joining him on the sidelines are long term absentees, Kyle Hayes and Barry Nash.

Declan Hannon returns as Limerick make three changes for Dublin clash https://t.co/4DuQ7OKjfD #SportLK #LimerickGAA #Hurling

— Sporting LK (@SportingLK) February 15, 2018

Much was expected of Dublin prior to the League with Pat Gilroy in charge and a number of players returning to the fold. However, they were well beaten by Offaly in the opening game in Croker and only scraped past a dogged Antrim side last time out.

Yet, on their day Dublin are dangerous. In Danny Sutchliffe and Eamon Dillon they have two of the most exciting forwards in the country who will have to be watched closely. Indeed in 2013 it was Dublin that defeated Limerick in the division 1B promotion final.

Listen to the interview in full on the link below.