LISTEN: “We’ll embrace the challenge and drive at it” Billy Lee looks forward to Leitrim clash

After the setback against London a fortnight ago, Billy Lee and his Limerick side travel to Leitrim this weekend in the hope of getting a first League win this campaign. Defeats to both Laois and Carlow, as well as the draw against London, mean that Limerick are effectively out of the promtion race already.

However, Lee is aiming to take the positives out of the campaign thus far, considering the mass exodus of players that took place over the winter.

“There’s been some positive things and some disappointing. Certainly, the way we finished the game against London, the way it happened is hugely disappointing.”

“It’s got to be said that we didn’t play that well (Against London) in the first half, we were much better in the second half and got ourselves into a good position. A bit of inexperience caught us, there’s no denying that.”

“Lads have to learn these hard lessons early in their career… They’ve responded well in the last week and responded well in a recent challenge game.”

“It’s pretty much a new bunch of lads from last years panel. There’s 16-18 lads that departed that had played league or championship, that’s a huge amount of experience.”

With the influx of new players, Lee is hoping that the experience of the last few weeks will pay dividence as the season progresses. He has also spoken of the immense pride there is in representing Limerick, highlighting the commitment levels of the players at his disposal at the moment.

“There’s a huge honour in representing the county.”

“It’s really about helping the lads grow as players and mature them. It’s about minding them as well and making sure that we are protecting them and helping them grow as well. It’s a very demanding game.”

As for Leitrim, they are in the same boat as Limerick, with no wins to their credit and a large number of young players in their squad. However, Lee isn’t expecting an easy game against the bottom side, especially considering the Connacht side will hold home advantage. Yet, Limerick will be looking eagerly at this game as a opportunity to get a win on the board.

“I’ve been there before with Limerick teams and it’s a hard place to go and I think anyone will tell you that.”

“Getting out of Carrick-On-Shannon is not an easy task at all. We know it’s going to be difficult up there.”

“We’re ready for it and we’ll go take on the challenge. We’ll embrace the challenge and drive at it.”