Mary I look to get Fitzgibbon cup hopes back on track

Reigning Champions Mary I host Trinity College Dublin today in the Fitzgibbon Cup, knowing their chances of retaining the title are on the line. Having won the title for the first time in 2016, the teaching college followed that up by beating IT Carlow comprehensively in the final last year to retain their title.

However, the Leinster college got their revenge last weekend, beating Mary I by three points to make their intentions clear for the year. Mary I will be happy in the knowledge that they have two more games in the group stages to make amends, as they face NUIG next Thursday in Galway.

Trinity will come to Limerick as complete outsiders in only their second year competing in the Fitzgibbon Cup. They were beaten by NUIG in the first round but will hold no fear travelling to Limerick. In their ranks is Limerick U21 goalkeeper Eoghan McNamara, although the Doon man is likely to line out outfield for the college.

With Limerick opening their League camoaign against Laois on Sunday, this game is a perfect audition for the likes of Cian Lynch and Aaron Gillane to continue to make their case to start, with both in flying form in the loss last Sunday.

Due to the adverse weather in recent days, the game has been moved to the 4G pitch in UL, but still has a throw in time of 2pm. Mary I should have too much class and experience for the Dublin outfit and will be keen to make their own statement of intent.