Limerick Senior Football Final Preview

The 2018 version of the Limerick SFC Final has a novel pairing with Ballylanders facing Adare in Newcastle West at 3pm on Sunday.

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.

Adare manager Harry Gleeson paid tribute to his panel when he spoke to Sporting Limerick in the lead up to the 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.

“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.”

Click below to watch the full interview with Adare’s Harry Gleeson.

Ballylanders’ run to this season’s final is their first since they tasted victory in 2014. Manager Mick Fox believes that his side are in the final on merit and will be focusing on themselves, rather than their opponents, 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.

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.”

Click below to watch the full interview with Ballylanders’ Mick Fox.