Limerick FC resume rivalry with Dundalk in the FAI Cup

Limerick FC will face Dundalk for the second time in a week and the fifth time this season when they battle it out in the quarter final of the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup on Friday night at the Markets Field (kick-off 7.45).

Limerick were beaten 1-0 by the Lilywhites last week thanks a to a late goal from Michael Duffy. The Shannonsiders were unlucky to come away with nothing to show for their hard working display. With a number of injuries, Tommy Barrett was forced to field a youthful side with Darren Murphy playing out of position at right back.

Encouragingly for Limerick, young wingers Will Fitzgerald and Karl O’Sullivan were not overawed by the challenge and were creative on the break for Limerick. Furthermore, Conor Ellis looked very lively and came close to giving Limerick the lead in the second half.

Despite enduring a nightmare debut at Dalymount Park, Colman Kennedy gave a solid display against the most prolific striker in the league in Pat Hoban. With Killian Cantwell and Eoin Wearen struggling to overcome groin and knee injuries respectively, Kennedy and Brouder are likely to continue the partnership.

The performance will certainly give the Super Blues hope of creating an upset on Friday night. Tommy Barrett is expecting a different Dundalk team on Friday night.

“It should give us hope now. I think they are going to be a different animal next week now. They will be more prepared. They can afford to freshen things up and we can’t. Their budget is probably ten times our budget which they deserve. They have worked for it and earned that money themselves.”

Limerick will be without defensive trio Killian Cantwell, Shaun Kelly and Eoin Wearen once again.

Limerick are looking to reach their second successive FAI Cup semi-final after losing 1-0 to Cork in Turners Cross in 2017 under Neil McDonald’s stewardship. The Shannonsiders are looking for their first success in the tournament since a 1-0 victory over Bohemians in the final of 1982.