Adare and Ballylanders face off in SFC Final

This Sunday sees a novel pairing in the Limerick Senior Football Championship Final with Ballylanders facing Adare in Newcastle West.

Last season’s champions Adare are looking to win their third title in as many years after collecting the 2016 Intermediate crown and their first ever senior win a year ago.

Harry Gleesons’s men are in the 2018 decider after a victory against Monaleen and he has paid tribute to the Adare panel for their dedication in the lead up to Sunday’s final.

“It’s a lot of time and effort and commitment from the lads. I think they are getting their just rewards for that.

“Every team in every parish gets a little bit of a purple patch. We are probably fortunate to have that at this particular time.

“I think planning has a lot to do with it. Planning the season. Having a big squad is a big help. All the players are dual players in some shape or form.

“I think it’s a matter of looking at the year and trying to peak our focus for the championship matches.

“It’s very difficult in this day and age to sustain that. Last year the lads finished on the 22nd of December and we were back training on the 4th of February because of the U-21s.

“We put as much time as we can into player welfare with guys taking blocks of time off and just try and peak at the right time is what it’s all about.”

Ballylanders’ run to this season’s final is their first since they tasted victory in 2014. They are a bit of a surprise package but manager Mick Fox believes that his side are there on merit and will be focusing on themselves ahead of Sunday’s clash.

“All year we have focused on what Ballylanders can do. You have to respect Adare.They are a great team and I love the way they play.

We have worked on what we can improve on, what we are good at and getting the best out of whoever in whatever position but you have to be mindful of your opponent. They have some serious players but we can’t be overly mindful of them either.

“We never look too far ahead of ourselves. You can only do so much on the training field and in the dressing room, it’s on the field where the players come up with solutions. In fairness, all players have stood up.

“Not just the older and more experienced players. The young boys have stood up as well which has been great.”

Fox added that they key to beating Adare will be to out work them and that his side have to enjoy the build up to such a big occasion.

“I said to the boys that they have to enjoy it. You don’t get to many. Enjoy it but without overdoing it. Ballylanders is a small place and football mad so you’re not going to get away from it.

“We have been enjoying it. The whole club, from U-6s right through, everyone is going to be involved in it.”