LISTEN: “We’re going up to win the All-Ireland”- John Ryan focused on job ahead

Limerick are in another All-Ireland final and this time it’s the Ladies footballers turn to represent the county. Limerick will play Louth in this years All Ireland Ladies Football Junior Final in a repeat of the 2010 decider with a place in the intermediate grade up for grabs.

Limerick are no strangers to Louth and have met the Leinster side twice already this year, suffering losses on both occasions. Manager, John Ryan, is well aware of the challenge that faces his side in the final but is relishing the task.

“Louth are going to be very hard to beat. They will be favourites coming into the game. They beat us well in the National League. We’ve improved since then, but I think at the same time, Louth staggered across the line yesterday but they’re still there. They’re a very good side.”

Limerick began their championship campaign with a one-point loss to Derry but have recovered significantly to reach the final. They followed the reversal against Derry with a big win over Carlow to secure a semi-final berth against London where they ran out 3-15 to 1-14 victors.

Ryan is looking forward to seeing his side play in GAA HQ but admits that there will be plenty of nerves in his young side at the prospect of playing in Croker. Yet, Croke Park is where his side aimed to be at the start of the year and he is hoping his side can perform on the biggest stage.

“Most of our girls have never played in Croke Park so that will be another thing we have to address. You are going into Croke Park, there will be nerves. It’s a big stadium but it’s where you want to be as well… We’re just looking forward to it as a management team.”

However, Ryan hopes his side will get the required support in Dublin, something he feels they richly deserve, for the final. Last weekend, Limerick turned Dublin green for the senior hurlers and Ryan is hoping that the county will do something similar for his troops to help them come away with the desired silverware.

“They do deserve support. There was a big green army with the hurlers. We’re going to Croke Park with the ladies and we hope we get the support… Getting to Croke Park, we need all the support we can get.”

Ryan is adamant that Limerick are not heading to the capital to merely make up the numbers but to win the Junior title and secure promotion back to the intermediate grade.

“We’re going up to win the All-Ireland, and hopefully on the day we can do that.”

Click on the link below to listen to the interview in full.