Five talking points as Limerick footballers start NFL with draw

It ended Limerick 0-13, Laois 1-10 in Portloaise, so what are the talking points as Jimmy Lee’s men get off the mark on their return to Division Three?

1. Eliah Riordan shows bottle
Fr. Casey’s Eliah Riordan has for a while, been an accurate kicker. That said, doing it with the club and doing it with the county are different things. Into stoppage time, after an energy sapping contest, the Abbeyfeale man had the composure to land a two-pointer from close to the sideline to put Limerick ahead. Josh Ryan’s absence may not be felt as heavily with kicks like that from the lively wing-forward.

2. Injuries could hamper Limerick’s hopes
Already short Josh Ryan, Limerick were without oh-so-many here. Than Conal O Duinn went down with a hamstring problem, a collision to Paul Maher. The hope is that Peter Nash, Tony McCarthy, Tommie Childs and a host of others can return to the fold but experience could be vital with a hectic schedule in a competive vision.

3. Captain Coleman stands up
Coleman’s impact on the team is obvious. To be named vice-captain 12 months ago, suggests that his influence is strong around the dressing room. Seemingly short of ideas and struggling to penetrate Laois, the Rathkeale flyer overlapped, to a pass and without thinking, it seemed, curled over an orange flag – a two-pointer, to inspire Limerick to finish strongly. He played at times like Iain Corbett. In the absence of Cillian Fahy, Coleman’s captaincy was notable.

4. Forget M&M’s, it’s all about N&N – Neville and Naughton
In a forward line that spread the scores about, ther was two men key to so much. These two were oppoentes in the Limerick Intermediate final in 2025, but on Saturday evening, the linked well and carried the Limerick attack. Neville’s burst from deep, Naughton’s step and slow, methotical build-up give the men in green a real platform to create. They will continue to be vital to any Limerick success.

5. Tougher tests await
While the result, given the circumstances is a reasonable one, tougher tests await. Limerick will have to defend much better against Down, Clare and others if results are going to be collected in this Division. Down are next up and they came from behind against the Banner last time out – the hope is that Limerick will be stronger for the slog in Portlaoise, and can now find another gear against promotion favourites Down. The Ulster edge beyond Clare on Saturday evening.