LISTEN: “We have to step up to the mark” – John Ryan

Limerick’s senior ladies football side get their All-Ireland Intermediate Championship campaign underway on Saturday when Kildare visit the LIT Gaelic Grounds.

Limerick were well beaten in their two games against Tipperary and Clare in the Munster Championship, but Ryan will be hopeful that they can give a truer account of themselves against Kildare.

“It’s a massive game for us. It was fantastic to win the All-Ireland Junior Championship last year, but now we have to step up to the mark.

“It’s a home game for us so you would be hopeful that you do well. Kildare are a very good side. They are a very young side that won the All-Ireland minor b last year.

“We have great leaders on the panel. The likes of Loretta Hanley, Kristine Reidy, Catriona Davis and Mairead Kavanagh have worked with the younger players that have come onto the panel and welcomed them in.

“We have some injuries too so we have a turnover of players that helps keep the panel strong.

“The game against Kildare is a hard one to call. We played them in Kildare last January and I think they came out with a one point win.

“We are well prepared going into it and that’s all you can do. It’s an hour of football. We are hoping that we play to our potential.”

Click below to hear the full interview with John Ryan.