Ray Dempsey says Limerick will take “learnings” from Dublin defeat

Limerick fell to a second successive defeat in the League against promotion favourites Dublin at the Gaelic Grounds.

A powerful first fifteen from Dublin helped power them to victory in the TUS Gaelic Grounds against Limerick in the second round of the National League on Sunday.

All-Ireland winners Dean Rock and Brian Fenton hit the net in the first half as Dublin looked like delivering a hefty defeat to Limerick. But Ray Dempsey’s battled back into the contest after the resumption with 1-3 on the bounce as they eventually lost by nine.

Dublin showcased all the class of a side that won eight All-Irelands in the last decade with Dempsey referring to the learning’s Limerick must take from the contest with more favourable contests to come in the last five rounds of the league.

“The Dubs came to town and they moved the ball awful sharp. There’s learning’s in that. They moved the ball rapid quick and we were probably a bit off the pace, there’s no doubt about that.

“It’s a process, we have been exposed to it and at least we know now where it’s at, the top teams, the skill and movement. I said last week you can watch and talk about it but until you’re exposed to it, players are not fully aware.

“We’re fully aware of that now. We had Cork before the league so we have played three counties that are used to doing things very quick, sharp and at a high level. This is still work in progress for Limerick football, these are standards that need to be maintained.”

One of Limerick’s standout players in the first half was Cian Sheehan as last year’s All-Star nominee took the game to the Dubs with a pair of brilliant points from play.

The Newcastle West native was removed at half time with Dempsey saying it was a pre-meditated move as Sheehan came into the game with a groin injury.

Cathal Downes was named from the start but was replaced in the XV owing to injury as the Kildimo Pallaskenry man faces a race to be fit for Louth on February 19.

However, one man that may be ready to go for then is Brian Donovan as Dempsey issued a positive update on the Monaleen native.

“Cian was very touch and go before starting because he had a groin injury, he was keen to play and he had a half hour in him. Cathal Downes as well has an injury and he’s working very hard.

“Brian (Donovan) is back training, trained on Friday evening so he played a bit of ball. The thing about fellas coming back now is to get the load into the legs. it’s not like years ago when the injury is healed you were good to go. The conditioning now required at this level, these lads are professional without the salary.”

Limerick have a weekend break before a trip to Louth where they will be hoping to get points on the board in their bid for Division 2 safety.

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