Limerick U20 footballers welcome Waterford in make or break Munster quarter-final

Limerick are captained by Fr Caseys’ Diarmuid Buckley while the vice-captain is Ballysteen’s David O’Shaughnessy.

The Limerick U20s begin their Munster Championship campaign this Monday, April 10 when they welcome Waterford to Ballyagran in the provincial quarter-final.

It will be do-or-die for both with the U20 championship the only provincial competition in the province that is run on a straight knock-out basis.

The reward for the winner will be a place in the semi-finals where Cork await, for the loser, the season will end on Monday.

The game will be live on Munster GAA TV.

Limerick are captained by Fr Caseys’ Diarmuid Buckley while the vice-captain is Ballysteen’s David O’Shaughnessy. O’Shaughnessy is one of eight squad members that remain from the team that featured in last year’s Munster quarter-final. On that day, O’Shaughnessy and Darragh Murray found the net in the 2-9 to 1-6 win in the Fraher Field.

Limerick were then beaten comprehensively by Cork in Ballyagran, losing out 2-15 to 0-5.

Shane Kelly is manager of the Limerick 20s and he has a 32-man panel to choose from. Kelly has also chosen an extensive backroom team.

Limerick U20 Football Management Team

• Shane Kelly (Manager)
• Damian Fitzgibbon (Selector)
• John Walsh (Selector)
• John O’Grady (Selector)
• Mikey Lyons (Coach)
• James Kelly (Coach)
• Dermot Dineen (Goalkeeping Coach)
• Dearbhail Foley (Strength & Conditioning)
• Angela Hogan (Physio)
• Kieran Barrett (Kitman)
• John Lynch (Liaison Officer)

This year, Limerick have a 50% record, with their only losses coming against a talented Clare side, who are also in Munster quarter-final action on Monday evening when they take on Tipperary. Limerick began their campaign with victory over Tipperary before rebounding back from their first loss to Clare with a one-point win over Offaly that booked their place in the O’Connor Cup final.

Clare were five-point winners, with Limerick improving on the fifteen-point defeat in their previous encounter.

Both Limerick and Waterford will be seeking to add to their solitary title wins, the Shannonsiders defeating the Deise in the 2000 final, three years before their breakthrough.

Limerick are deservedly favourites to progress given their recent underage record against the Deise and Kelly’s side will be hopeful of a positive performance with Cork awaiting in the wings for whoever progresses.

Watch Limerick v Waterford.

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