LISTEN: Billy Lee reflects on Cork clash as League opener looms

Limerick kicked off their 2019 season with a heavy defeat at the hands of Cork in the McGrath Cup Semi Final in Cork on Sunday. Despite heading into the break trailing 1-6 to 0-6, Billy Lee’s side only registered one further point in the second half as Cork ran out convincing 3-15 to -07 victors.

Attention now turns to Limerick’s first League game which takes place in London against the Exiles on January 27.

Speaking after the game Lee, seemed happy with his young side’s performance against the Rebels.

“There was a bit of naivety there too… It’s about being smarter with the ball and stuff like that, closing down space faster.”

Lee was heavily disappointed with his sides scoring output, only registering a single point from play. However, he was quick to point out the teams positive attacking endeavour where a combination of poor decision making and sloppy execution cost his side dearly.

Yet with such a young squad at his disposal, Lee praised the attitude of his side.

“You’ve young lads coming out there. Some fellas only had their second start for Limerick, some their third so they are very young and inexperienced in that sense.”

“But they have an attitude that they want to improve so you just build and focus and there was plenty of positives. Endeavour wasn’t a problem.”

Limerick were without joint captain Iain Corbett and star attacker Seamus O’Carroll for the game through injury and it is unsure will they be available for the London clash according to the manager.

Lee will be desperate to improve on last year’s showing in the league where Limerick only mustered one win from their six games in the bottom tier.

Such was their poor showings, Limerick’s clash with Wicklow, which was postponed due to weather, was never played with both sides unable to qualify for the final of the league with a pair of games remaining.

The previous year, Limerick lost their opening three games in the league before winning four on the trot in what was Limerick’s first year in the bottom tier since their promotion in 2013.

The importance of a quick start is not lost on the manager and how they fare in Ruislip will go a long way in determining how their season will pan out.

“If you get a run you will be looking upwards so one step at a time. Look we have to believe that we can got to London and win that game, but London will be thinking the same.”

Last year Limerick were held to a draw by their hosts and Lee will be hopeful of a better result this year as promotion from Division 4 will take priority in 2019 for Limerick management.

However, Lee will not take London for granted and has acknowledged just how competitive the middle section of Division 4 is with the bottom 5 teams of London, Limerick, Leitrim, Waterford and Wicklow all within three points of each other.

Although the team he possesses is youthful, there are many leaders on the team and with Lee in charge once more, 2019 is a real chance for Limerick football to follow in the success of their hurling counterparts.

Listen to the full audio with Lee on our SoundCloud Channel!