Limerick Ladies welcome Leitrim to Rathkeale with League semi-final place on offer

Limerick will be hopeful of securing a last four spot in their only home game of Division 4 of the National League in Rathkeale.

The Limerick Ladies footballers can book their place in the semi-finals of the Lidl National Football League this Sunday when they welcome Leitrim to the Bog Garden.

Graham Shine’s side have gone two from two thus far with impressive wins over Kilkenny firstly and last week in Baltinglass against Wicklow.

But up against them this Sunday will be table toppers Leitrim who have accumulated a huge tally from their opening pair of encounters.

Both sides come into the clash with 100% records and know a win will be enough to advance to the last four of Division 4 with a game to spare.

It will be Limerick’s only home tie in the League this year and Shine’s side look poised to make the most of it and book their place in the semi-finals at the first time of asking.

While Kilkenny in the first round would have been looked at as a fond avenue for picking up three points, the nature of the 3-6 to 0-8 win over Wicklow last weekend will have been hugely pleasing to the squad.

Away to Intermediate Championship opposition, goals from Anna O’Dea, Cathy Mee and Clare O’Meara powered Limerick to victory as they led for the vast majority of the contest.

The win also gives Limerick breathing room in their search for a league semi-final place as they know even in defeat they could progress if Leitrim go on to beat Wicklow and the Shannonsiders account for Derry in the final round.

Thus far, Limerick have conceded a miserly tally of 0-10 from two games, with just three scores coming from play. However, the solid rearguard will be tested in Rathkeale with Leitrim in fine scoring fettle from their opening pair of contests.

Against Derry they hit 5-15 while they beat Kilkenny by 42-points in the second round. That has them above Limerick in the sytandings with a scoring difference of +67.

Shine has yet to name his side for the contest. He made a number of changes from the Kilkenny to Wicklow game, although all came in the attacking unit. The first eight remained unchanged but Clare O’Meara was drafted into midfield while Cathy Mee, Katie Heelan, Karen O’Leary and Anna O’Dea all started in the forwards.

Limerick will have a three week break following this Sunday’s clash as they travel to Derry on March 5.

Watch the preview on this week’s Treaty Talk

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